Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Garlic-Tomato Sauce and Cilantro

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs pan-seared to golden perfection, topped with a savory garlic and tomato sauce brightened with fresh cilantro. This Mediterranean-inspired chicken recipe (gluten free), ready in about 35 minutes, pairs bone-in chicken thighs, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 6 bone-in chicken thighs and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 7-8 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crisp.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chicken thighs and cook for another 6-7 minutes until cooked through and juices run clear. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add 5 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 cup canned diced tomatoes and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, stirring to combine. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, spoon sauce over them, cover and cook for 3 minutes to meld flavors.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat, drizzle 1 tbsp lemon juice and sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro over the chicken before serving with steamed rice or veggies.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Garlic-Tomato Sauce and Cilantro take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Garlic-Tomato Sauce and Cilantro?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Garlic-Tomato Sauce and Cilantro?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Garlic-Tomato Sauce and Cilantro for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Garlic-Tomato Sauce and Cilantro gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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