Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spicy Tomato-Pepper Sauce

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

Juicy chicken thighs pan-seared to golden perfection and topped with a vibrant, smoky tomato and roasted red pepper sauce. This Mediterranean-inspired game-day recipe, ready in about 35 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 6 bone-in chicken thighs and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 6-7 minutes until the skin is deep golden and crisp, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes until cooked through, about 165°F internal temperature. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium and add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in 1 cup chopped roasted red peppers and 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes.
  4. Step 4: Season the sauce with 1 tsp smoked paprika and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, simmer gently for 8 minutes until thickened and rich. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over to coat, cooking together for 2 more minutes.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spicy Tomato-Pepper Sauce 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 Tomato-Pepper 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 Spicy Tomato-Pepper 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 Tomato-Pepper 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 Tomato-Pepper Sauce?

Mediterranean game day 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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