Authentic Spanish Chicken Recipe for Dinner

Authentic Spanish Chicken recipe — Spanish Chicken. Imported from TheMealDB.

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026

4

servings

Medium

Difficulty

Authentic Spanish Chicken Recipe for Dinner

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 4 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion (chopped)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup green olives (sliced)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
  • 1 lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

Instructions

5 steps

  1. Sear the Chicken

    In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Sear until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes each side.

    Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even browning.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics

    Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

    Stir frequently to prevent garlic from burning.
  3. Add Spices and Tomatoes

    Stir in smoked paprika and cumin, cooking for an additional minute. Then add diced tomatoes with their juices to the skillet.

    Scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze and incorporate any browned bits.
  4. Simmer the Dish

    Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for about 30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.

    Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
  5. Finish with Olives and Serve

    Add sliced green olives to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

    Pair with crusty bread or rice to soak up the sauce.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Use bone-in chicken for more flavor. Let the chicken rest before serving for juiciness. Experiment with different olives for varied taste.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your spanish meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Patatas bravas
🍽️Mixed olives
🍽️Spanish rice

About This Dish

Authentic Spanish Chicken Recipe for Dinner is a beloved dish from Spanish cuisine.

Spanish cuisine celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients cooked with simplicity and flair. From tapas culture to regional specialties, Spain's food traditions are deeply rooted in community and celebration.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 13 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but adjust cooking time as breasts may cook faster.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories320kcal
Total Fat18gg
Sodium550mgmg
Total Carbohydrates12gg
Dietary Fiber3gg
Total Sugars4gg
Protein28gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineSpanish
CategoryDinner