Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Roasted Tomato and Garlic Sauce

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

Juicy pan-seared chicken thighs served with a rich roasted tomato and garlic sauce that balances sweetness and savory depth. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes blends (about 1.5 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, salt into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Arrange 6 halved roma tomatoes, 6 whole garlic cloves with skins, and 1 quartered small red onion on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle lightly with 1/2 tsp salt. Roast for 25 minutes until tomatoes are softened and caramelized.
  2. Step 2: While the vegetables roast, pat dry 4 bone-in chicken thighs and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 6-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chicken thighs and cook an additional 5 minutes on the other side. Remove chicken to a plate and tent with foil to rest.
  4. Step 4: Carefully squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skins into a blender or bowl. Add the roasted tomatoes, onions, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Blend until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Pour the sauce into the skillet used for chicken and simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Return chicken thighs to the skillet, spoon sauce over them, and cook another 3 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Step 6: Serve the chicken thighs topped with the roasted tomato and garlic sauce, garnished with extra basil if desired.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

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

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

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

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 Roasted Tomato and Garlic Sauce 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.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Roasted Tomato and Garlic Sauce?

Mediterranean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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