A hearty and savoury dish, chicken thighs in tomato sauce mixes the rich, soft meat of chicken thighs with the tart sweetness of ripe tomatoes.
A medley of herbs and spices lends depth and warmth to the sauce, and this recipe gives a delicious blend of savoury and fragrant flavours.
This dish is ideal for a relaxing evening and tastes great with crusty bread, pasta, or rice. It’s a filling and flexible supper that’s simple to make yet surprisingly tasty.
This recipe for chicken thighs in tomato sauce is guaranteed to become a family favourite, whether you’re cooking for the family or inviting friends over.
How To Make Chicken Thighs In Tomato Sauce?
Preparation Times: 10 minutes
Cooking Times: 45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Yields: Serves 4
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
Step-1: Season and sear the chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step-2: Sauté the aromatics
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes soft and translucent, which takes about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Step-3: Build the tomato sauce
Now, it’s time to create a flavorful sauce. Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet, followed by the cider vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, and dried thyme. Stir everything together, and season the sauce with salt, pepper, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Step-4: Simmer the chicken
Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, making sure they are covered with the tomato sauce. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet, and let the chicken cook in the sauce for 25-30 minutes. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked through by the end of this time.
Step-5: Finishing touches
After the chicken has simmered and absorbed all the flavours, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves to add a burst of colour and freshness.
Nutrition Facts Of Chicken Thighs In Tomato Sauce
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
Serving Suggestions
Pasta: Serve the chicken thighs and sauce over a bed of your favourite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne.
Rice: A serving of steamed white or brown rice is perfect for soaking up the rich tomato sauce.
Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty Italian bread is excellent for dipping into the sauce, making sure you don’t miss a drop.
Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish and adds a refreshing balance.
Tips and Variations
Herb Swap: If you have fresh herbs like thyme or basil on hand, use them instead of dried herbs for an even more vibrant flavour.
Spicy Twist: For a spicier version, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Vegetable Additions: Add sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sauce for extra nutrition and texture.
Creamy Option: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking for a creamy tomato sauce.
Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or mozzarella over the chicken and sauce just before serving for a cheesy touch.
Special Note
If you prefer a lighter, fresher taste, consider using fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones. Simply blanch and peel the tomatoes before adding them to the sauce.
FAQS
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but be mindful that breasts may cook faster and can dry out if overcooked.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Simply replace the butter with additional olive oil or a dairy-free alternative to make the recipe dairy-free.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove. You can also shred the chicken and use it in sandwiches or over a salad.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making and eating this Chicken Thighs in Tomato Sauce as much as I do. It’s a comforting and delicious meal that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
The rich tomato sauce combined with tender chicken thighs creates a dish that’s both hearty and full of flavour. Don’t forget to try out the variations and serving suggestions to tailor it to your taste.
Chicken Thighs In Tomato Sauce
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Start by seasoning your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes soft and translucent, which takes about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Now, it’s time to create a flavorful sauce. Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet, followed by the cider vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, and dried thyme. Stir everything together, and season the sauce with salt, pepper, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, making sure they are covered with the tomato sauce. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet, and let the chicken cook in the sauce for 25-30 minutes. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked through by the end of this time.
- After the chicken has simmered and absorbed all the flavors, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves to add a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.