Spiced Chicken Picante with Roasted Vegetables
A Bolivian-inspired chicken stew simmered in a spicy tomato sauce with roasted Andean vegetables for a warm and vibrant meal. This latin american-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes pairs olive oil, large, diced onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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
- 1.5 lbs (680g), boneless and skinless, cut into chunks chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, diced onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp aji amarillo paste
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 medium, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces carrots
- 2 medium, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces yellow potatoes
- 1 large, sliced red bell pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 2 medium peeled and diced yellow potatoes, 2 peeled and chopped carrots, and 1 sliced red bell pepper with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1/2 tsp salt; spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes until tender and caramelized.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 large diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1.5 lbs chicken thigh chunks to the skillet, season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp paprika, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned on all sides.
- Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp aji amarillo paste, and 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes; bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through.
- Step 5: Add the roasted vegetables to the skillet, stir gently to combine and heat through for 2 minutes.
- Step 6: Remove from heat, sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and serve warm with rice or bread.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Chicken Picante with Roasted Vegetables take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 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 Spiced Chicken Picante with Roasted Vegetables?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Chicken Picante with Roasted Vegetables?
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 Spiced Chicken Picante with Roasted Vegetables 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 Spiced Chicken Picante with Roasted Vegetables?
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.
