Pan-Seared Chicken with Achiote and Tomato Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs pan-seared with vibrant achiote spice and simmered in a tangy tomato sauce infused with garlic and onions. This latin american-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes blends (about 1.5 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs, achiote paste, olive oil 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 380 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: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rub 4 bone-in chicken thighs evenly with 2 tbsp achiote paste and 1 tsp salt. Let rest 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5-6 minutes until skin is golden and crisp, then flip and sear the other side for 4 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken and set aside. Lower heat to medium, add 1 chopped yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 3-4 minutes until onion is translucent and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup chicken broth, and 1 tsp ground cumin. Bring to a simmer, then return chicken to the pan, skin-side up.
  5. Step 5: Cover and simmer gently for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning with 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Serve chicken with sauce spooned over rice or warm tortillas.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Achiote and Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 with Achiote and Tomato 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 with Achiote and 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 with Achiote and 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 with Achiote and Tomato Sauce?

Latin American 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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