Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spicy Tomato and Garlic Sauce
Juicy pan-seared chicken thighs simmered in a vibrant, spicy tomato and garlic sauce that balances heat and rich flavors. This Mediterranean-inspired game-day recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, garlic cloves 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (about 1.5 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 5, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup water
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in chicken thighs and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear for 6-7 minutes until skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Step 2: Flip chicken thighs and cook for another 5 minutes until cooked through, then remove from skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: Lower heat to medium, add 1 tbsp olive oil, then stir in 5 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Pour in 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1/4 cup water, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Stir to combine and simmer for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Return chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce, and cook for an additional 3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Step 6: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving to add a fresh herbal note.







