Braised Chicken Thighs With Spicy Tomato And Ginger Sauce
Juicy chicken thighs are braised in a spicy, tangy tomato and ginger sauce, perfect for comforting yet flavorful meals suited for fans of bold Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. peanut oil ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. chicken thighs, boneless, cut in half ⓘ
- salt and black pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can peeled tomatoes without juice, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped garlic ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh ginger ⓘ
- 1 small hot chili, chopped or hot red pepper flakes or canned jalapeno, seeded ⓘ
- 2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- In a medium frying pan, heat peanut oil over moderate heat.
- Brown the chicken thighs on both sides, starting with the skin side.
- Season with salt and black pepper while browning the second side.
- Drain the thighs on paper towels and set aside. Drain excess fat from the pan, leaving about 2 teaspoons.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, garlic, ginger, chopped chili, and sugar to the pan.
- Cook over moderately high heat for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce.
- Return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet.
- Cover and braise slowly for 20 minutes until cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs in soy sauce and lime juice for an hour before cooking. If fresh ginger isn't available, ground ginger can be a substitute, though use less. Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of chili or using a different type of pepper. This dish pairs beautifully with Chicken With Mushrooms And Tarragon for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the braised chicken thighs over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy polenta to soak up the spicy tomato and ginger sauce. A side of sautéed greens or a fresh salad can add a nice crunch and balance. This dish is also excellent with crusty bread for dipping. Explore more chicken recipes to find complementary flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, checking regularly to avoid drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Braised Chicken Thighs With Spicy Tomato And Ginger Sauce contains roughly 827 calories, with 22g protein, 157g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (105% of the Daily Value), and potassium (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1253mg per serving (54% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts, but be cautious as they may dry out faster. Consider reducing the cooking time or adding a bit of broth to keep them moist as they braise in the sauce.
How can I adjust the recipe for a spicier taste?
To increase the heat, add more chopped chili or incorporate a dash of hot sauce into the tomato sauce. You can also use spicy sausage as a protein addition to enhance flavor and spice levels.
What can I substitute for peanut oil?
If peanut oil isn't available, vegetable oil or canola oil can be good alternatives. For a nuttier flavor, consider using sesame oil, but use it sparingly as it has a strong taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).