Spanish Chicken Thighs with Roasted Peppers and Olives
An Easy-To-Make, Flavor-Packed Classic That Brings Spain to Your Table
A mouthwatering recipe for those busy weeknight dinners: Spanish Chicken Thighs with Roasted Peppers and Olives is just what you need. This easy-to-follow recipe features tender chicken thighs cooked with roasted piquillo peppers, lots of smoked paprika, and just a hint of garlic.
Best of all, this Spanish chicken recipe is made in one pan, bringing the vibrant flavors of Spain to your home in under 35 minutes!
Let’s dive into the heart of Spain with this beloved classic Spanish chicken recipe. ¡Buen provecho! 🇪🇸
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Serving:
Main for 4-6
Ready in:
35 minutes
Skill level:
Easy
Serve with:
Fresh bread and red wine
Watch step-by-step recipe video
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How to Make Spanish Chicken Thighs with Roasted Peppers and Olives
Ingredients
- 8 chicken thighs (around 1kg / 35 oz.)
- 1 large white onion, finely sliced
- 3-4 garlic cloves, loosely chopped
- 2 ripe tomatoes, grated and skin removed
- 1 jar Roasted Piquillo Peppers, drained (290ml)
- 3.5 oz. (100g) olives
- 1.5 tsp Spanish La Vera smoked paprika (plus more for dusting)
- 1 tsp Salt (or to taste)
- Black pepper to taste
- Splash of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Equipment
- 1 large deep-sided baking tray
- Cooking Tongs
- Wooden cutting board
- Chef knife
- Oven
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat oven to 200°C / 400 °F
- Add all the ingredients to a large baking tray and mix well to ensure the chicken is covered in seasoning and the olives and peppers are evenly distributed around the tray.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper, add a drizzle of olive oil, and bake for around 30 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken is cooked. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 74°C / 165 °F once done.
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:
- Spanish-Style Rice or Grains
- Saffron Rice or Arroz Amarillo (yellow rice)
- Pearled barley or couscous with olive oil and herbs
- 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
- Bread
- Crusty bread (like rustic sourdough or Spanish pan de pueblo) to soak up the juices
- Grilled flatbread brushed with olive oil and garlic
- 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
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)
Nutrient |
Amount |
% Daily Value (DV)* |
Calories |
427 kcal |
21% |
Protein |
31.3 g |
63% |
Total Fat |
28.7 g |
37% |
Carbohydrates |
8.5 g |
3% |
*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.
Garlic Chicken
Pollo al Ajillo
Creamy Mustard Chicken
Pollo a la Mostaza
Vinegar Braised Chicken
with Pedro Ximénez Sherry Sauce
Spanish Chicken Thighs with Roasted Peppers and Olives
Equipment
- 1 large deep-sided baking tray
- Cooking Tongs
- Wooden cutting board
- Chef knife
- Oven
Ingredients
- 8 chicken thighs around 1kg / 35 oz.
- 1 large white onion finely sliced
- 3-4 garlic cloves loosely chopped
- 2 ripe tomatoes grated and skin removed
- 1 jar Roasted Piquillo Peppers drained (290ml)
- 3.5 oz. 100g olives
- 1.5 tsp Spanish La Vera smoked paprika plus more for dusting
- 1 tsp Salt or to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Splash of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C / 400 °F
- Add all the ingredients to a large baking tray and mix well to ensure the chicken is covered in seasoning and the olives and peppers are evenly distributed around the tray.8 chicken thighs, 1 large white onion, 3-4 garlic cloves, 2 ripe tomatoes, 1 jar Roasted Piquillo Peppers, 3.5 oz. 100g olives, 1.5 tsp Spanish La Vera smoked paprika, 1 tsp Salt, Black pepper to taste, Splash of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Season to taste with salt and pepper, add a drizzle of olive oil, and bake for around 30 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken is cooked. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 74°C / 165 °F once done.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value (DV)* |
Calories | 427 kcal | 21% |
Protein | 31.3 g | 63% |
Total Fat | 28.7 g | 37% |
Carbohydrates | 8.5 g | 3% |
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