Spiced Spanish-Style Chicken
Juicy chicken thighs simmered in a smoky paprika and garlic sauce with roasted vegetables. This mediterranean-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs chicken thighs, smoked paprika, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, 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 lb chicken thighs
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season with 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add chicken skin-side down, and cook for 5 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 cup diced onion to the skillet, sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant, then stir in 1 cup chicken broth and 1/2 tsp dried oregano — bring to a simmer.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup chopped cherry tomatoes, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce has thickened slightly, stirring once halfway.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Spanish-Style Chicken 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 Spiced Spanish-Style Chicken?
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 chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Spanish-Style Chicken?
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 Spanish-Style Chicken for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Spanish-Style Chicken?
Mediterranean one pot 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.