Tomato-Pepper Thighs

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Mediterranean

Juicy chicken thighs simmered in a flavorful tomato and pepper sauce, accented with olives and red pepper flakes, perfect for hearty, Mediterranean-inspired meals.

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Ingredients

  • 8 chicken thighs (about 2 lb.)
  • 1 Tbsp. olive or vegetable oil
  • 2 medium onions, cut into thin wedges
  • 1 green pepper, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
  • 1 red pepper, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
  • 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
  • 1 (8 oz.) can stewed tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Remove skin from chicken thighs.
  2. In a medium pan over medium-high heat, brown chicken thighs in oil for 5 minutes, turning once. Remove to a plate.
  3. Add onions, green and red peppers, and red pepper flakes to the drippings in the pan.
  4. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes.
  5. Add stewed tomatoes, black olives, and a pinch of salt to the pan.
  6. Stir the mixture to break up the tomatoes.
  7. Return the chicken to the pan; bring to a boil.
  8. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink.
  9. Remove the cover and increase heat to high; boil until the sauce is slightly reduced.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before cooking. You can substitute the fresh peppers with any bell peppers you have on hand. If you prefer a milder dish, omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount. For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked rice or quinoa to the mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Tomato-Pepper Thighs over a bed of rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh Garden Stir-Fry Salad makes a delightful side, offering a crisp contrast to the savory dish. This recipe is also perfect for meal prep, as it tastes even better the next day!

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Tomato-Pepper Thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, covered, to prevent drying out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Tomato-Pepper Thighs contains roughly 401 calories, with 17g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value), protein (33% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2385mg per serving (104% of the Daily Value).

401 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 16.5g 33% DV
Total Fat 15g 19% DV
Carbs 50.9g 19% DV
Fiber 3.8g 14% DV
Sugar 13.2g 26% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2385.2mg 100% DV
Potassium 514.1mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 46.3mg 15% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 177.4mcg 20% DV
Vitamin C 65.3mg 73% DV
Calcium 254.8mg 20% DV
Iron 2.5mg 14% DV

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used. They will cook faster than bone-in thighs, so reduce the cooking time to ensure they remain juicy and tender. Just be careful not to overcook them.

What can I substitute for stewed tomatoes?

If you don’t have stewed tomatoes, diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes can work well as a substitute. You might want to add a little extra seasoning to mimic the flavor profile of stewed tomatoes.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, Tomato-Pepper Thighs can be frozen. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and follow the reheating instructions.

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).

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