Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spiced Tomato and Garlic Sauce

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

Juicy chicken thighs pan-seared to golden perfection, topped with a savory tomato-garlic sauce infused with warm spices. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes blends 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 350 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: 30 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in skin-on 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. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 6-7 minutes until skin is golden and crisp. Flip and cook 5 minutes on the other side. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 small finely chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté for 4 minutes until softened.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes if using. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes and 1/2 cup chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Return chicken thighs to the skillet, spoon sauce over them, cover, and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 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 Spiced 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 Spiced 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 Spiced 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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