Description
There’s something truly special about Mediterranean cuisine—the way it blends bold spices, fresh herbs, and wholesome ingredients into dishes that feel both comforting and exciting. This Spicy Mediterranean Chicken Thighs recipe brings all those flavors together in one easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
What makes this dish stand out is its rich, warming spices combined with the juiciness of bone-in chicken thighs. The result? A beautifully seasoned, crispy-skinned chicken with a deeply flavorful sauce infused with garlic, tomatoes, and Mediterranean herbs. The best part? It all comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze!
If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors but requires minimal effort, this is it. Whether you serve it with warm pita, a side of fluffy couscous, or a fresh Mediterranean salad, this chicken thigh recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup green olives, pitted and sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel—this helps the skin crisp up nicely when seared. Season them generously with salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an extra boost of flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Let them cook undisturbed for about 5–7 minutes, until the skin turns golden and crispy. Flip the thighs and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes, stirring continuously for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Add the cherry tomatoes, tomato paste, and honey. Stir everything together, allowing the tomatoes to soften slightly. Pour in the chicken broth and squeeze in the lemon juice. Stir well to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom—this is where all the flavor is!
Step 5: Simmer with the Chicken
Nestle the chicken thighs back into the pan, skin-side up. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 25–30 minutes. The chicken will become incredibly tender, and the flavors will meld beautifully.
Step 6: Final Touches
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the lid and scatter the sliced green olives over the dish. Let it cook uncovered for another 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- If you have leftovers, the flavors will deepen overnight, making this a fantastic meal to reheat the next day.
- Feel free to swap out the green olives for black olives or capers for a slightly different Mediterranean twist.