This Spanish Chicken recipe is a flavorful and vibrant dish that captures the essence of Spanish cuisine. It’s a perfect blend of juicy chicken, aromatic spices, and colorful vegetables, creating a hearty meal that’s both comforting and exciting. The addition of olives and bell peppers adds a wonderful depth of flavor, while the smoked paprika and saffron provide a distinct, rich taste that transports you straight to Spain. Serve this dish with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 2 tablespoons warm water
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and halved
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and cook until the skin is golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the sliced onion and bell peppers. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and cumin, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and saffron with its soaking water. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer the Chicken: Return the chicken thighs to the pan, skin side up. Cover and simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Add Olives and Garnish: Stir in the green olives and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.
Enjoy this delightful Spanish Chicken dish with your favorite side and savor the rich flavors of Spain in every bite!
