Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spicy Paprika Sauce

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs pan-seared to golden perfection and finished with a smoky, spicy paprika sauce that adds bold flavor. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (mediterranean) ready in about 40 minutes blends smoked paprika, garlic powder, 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 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

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice mix evenly over 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 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 5 more minutes.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 1 small finely chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup canned tomato sauce and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken thighs to the skillet, spoon sauce over them, cover, and cook on low heat for another 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spicy Paprika 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 Spicy Paprika 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 Spicy Paprika 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 Spicy Paprika 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 Spicy Paprika 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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