Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spicy Tamarind Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pan-seared chicken thighs glazed in a tangy and spicy tamarind sauce, paired with caramelized onions for a vibrant, bold flavor. This asian-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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 evenly. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 6-7 minutes without moving, until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chicken thighs and cook on the other side for 5 minutes until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add 1 medium thinly sliced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and golden at the edges.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add 3 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1/4 cup water, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes. Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, spoon the tamarind glaze over them, and cook for another 2 minutes, turning once to coat the chicken well.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro leaves if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or a fresh salad.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spicy Tamarind Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Spicy Tamarind Glaze?

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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spicy Tamarind Glaze?

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 Tamarind Glaze 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 Tamarind Glaze?

Asian 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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