Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spiced Tomato and Chipotle Sauce

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

Tender chicken thighs pan-seared to golden perfection and finished with a smoky, spiced tomato and chipotle sauce. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes blends kosher salt, black pepper, olive oil 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: 10 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 420 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry and season both sides with 1.5 tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin side down and sear for 6-7 minutes until the skin is deep golden and crispy. Flip and cook for 4 minutes more. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 finely chopped medium yellow onion to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 1 tbsp chopped chipotle peppers in adobo, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Return the chicken thighs skin side up to the skillet, cover, and simmer on low for 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 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 Spiced Tomato and Chipotle 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 Spiced Tomato and Chipotle 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 Spiced Tomato and Chipotle 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 Spiced Tomato and Chipotle Sauce?

Mexican 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.

Related recipes