Cooking tips:

Best chicken to use

We use skinless chicken thighs for this recipe; skin-on thighs will also work great, especially if you finish cooking them under the broiler (grill) for the last 5 minutes. 

Smoked Paprika

When it comes to Spanish paprika, we absolutely love using La Vera Spanish smoked paprika for the intense and rich smoky flavor. Here are a few of our recommendations: 

• La Dalia Sweet Smoked Paprika
• Artisan Spanish smoked paprika, Pimenton from La Vera region
• La Chinata Sweet Smoked Paprika

Serving Suggestions:

1. Spanish-Style Rice or Grains

• Saffron Rice or Arroz Amarillo (yellow rice)
• Pearled barley or couscous with olive oil and herbs

2. Potatoes

• Patatas Bravas (crispy potatoes with spicy tomato sauce)
• Roasted baby potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes
• Poor Man’s Potatoes – Patatas a lo Pobre
• Spanish Potatoes | Patatas a la Importancia
• Roasted Potatoes with Chorizo and Thyme

3. Bread

• Crusty bread (like rustic sourdough or Spanish pan de pueblo) to soak up the juices
• Grilled flatbread brushed with olive oil and garlic

4. Vegetables

• Grilled asparagus, zucchini, or green beans with lemon
• Simple mixed greens salad with sherry vinaigrette
• Spanish Green Salad with Asparagus and Blue Cheese
• Oven Roasted Asparagus

🍷 Drink Pairings

• Spanish red wine like Tempranillo, Garnacha, or Rioja
• For white wine lovers: a Verdejo or lightly oaked Viura
• Sparkling water with lemon or dry Spanish cider for a non-alcoholic option

For more info on Spanish wines, refer to: Guide to Spanish Wine

(Wine Types, Tasting Notes, Food Pairings)

Origins of this recipe

The recipe for Spanish Chicken Thighs with Roasted Peppers draws its origin and inspiration from traditional Spanish cuisine, particularly from the regions of Andalusia and Catalonia, where roasted peppers (like pimientos) and seasoned meats are staples.

Key Influences:

• Chicken Thighs: Common in Spanish home cooking for their flavor and affordability.

• Roasted Peppers (Pimientos Asados): A classic Spanish ingredient, often found in tapas, salads, or as a side.
  
• Spices and Herbs: Recipes often include smoked paprika (pimentón), garlic, olive oil, and thyme or rosemary, staples in Spanish pantries

Best Chicken Cuts for Spanish Chicken Thighs with Roasted Peppers and Olives

For this rustic and deeply flavorful Spanish dish, the ideal chicken cuts are those that stay moist and tender while simmering with bold Mediterranean ingredients like roasted peppers, olives, and garlic. Searing the chicken—especially if it’s bone-in and skin-on—until golden before simmering is essential.

This step locks in juices and builds the rich foundation of flavor for the entire dish.

1. Bone-in, Skinless Chicken Thighs ⭐ Top Choice

• Why they work: These are the most flavorful and juicy cut, and they hold up beautifully during roasting.
• Bonus: For skin-on thighs, browning the skin under the broiler (grill) adds richness and enhances the roasted pepper and olive sauce.
• Cook Time: Simmer for about 25–30 minutes.

2. Chicken Drumsticks

• Why they work: Similar texture and depth of flavor as thighs, and they lend a hearty, rustic feel to the dish.
• Bonus: Always a hit with kids and perfect for casual dining.
• Cook Time: Roast for about 25–30 minutes.

3. Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs

• Why they work: Still tender and tasty, they cook faster and are easier to serve.
• Bonus: No bones, quicker prep and cleanup.
• Cook Time: Roast for about 20–25 minutes.

Roasted Piquillo Peppers

Roasted piquillo peppers are a type of sweet, red chili pepper traditionally grown in northern Spain, particularly in the Navarra region. Here’s what makes them special:

🔥 What They Are:

• Piquillo means “little beak” in Spanish, referring to their small, slightly curved, and pointed shape.
• They’re typically roasted over open flames, then peeled and seeded by hand.
• Unlike many roasted peppers, they’re not marinated in vinegar—they’re simply packed in their own juices or olive oil, which highlights their naturally sweet and smoky flavor.

🌶️ Flavor Profile:

• Mildly sweet and smoky, with no heat.
• Tender and silky in texture.

🛒 Where to Find Them:

• Often sold jarred or canned in specialty or international grocery stores (look in the Spanish or gourmet section or near the section where you find canned olives).
• They can be purchased in jars as whole peppers, or as sliced. The sliced piquillo peppers are a great option for this recipe. 

Brands like La Catedral de Navarra or Matiz are popular imports.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

*Based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

More Spanish Chicken Recipes:

Whether you’re looking for a no-fuss recipe that can easily be whipped up for a weeknight meal, or a high-protein post-workout dinner that’s healthy and nutritious, we’ve got you with 7 of our favorite easy chicken recipes that will transport your tastebuds straight to the Mediterranean!

Check out our complete recipe guide for 7 Easy Chicken Recipes That Are Perfect for Weeknight Dinners here. 

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