Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spiced Tomato Sauce

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

Juicy pan-seared chicken thighs served with a rich, spiced tomato sauce that balances savory and aromatic flavors. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in chicken thighs and season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp ground coriander evenly on all sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin side down and sear for 6-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 chopped medium onion. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until onions are translucent and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1/4 cup water, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes. Cook the sauce for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves over the dish before serving for a fresh herbal note.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Spiced Tomato Sauce?

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 Spiced Tomato 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 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 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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