If you’re craving a dish that bursts with hearty flavors and satisfying warmth, I’ve got the perfect recipe for you — Pollo en Salsa: Chicken Thighs in a savory Chorizo and Tomato Sauce Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of tender chicken thighs simmered in a robust chorizo-spiced tomato sauce that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Comforting Flavors: The blend of chorizo, paprika, and tomato sauce creates a deeply satisfying and layered taste experience.
- Juicy, Tender Chicken: Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures each bite stays moist and packed with flavor.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: With pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, you can whip up a meal that feels special without fuss.
- One-Pan Wonder: The sauce is made right in the same skillet, locking all those delicious browned bits right into the dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Pollo en Salsa: Chicken Thighs in a savory Chorizo and Tomato Sauce Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredient list, each chosen for their unique contribution to the dish’s bold flavors and hearty texture.
- Chicken Thighs (boneless and skinless): The perfect cut for juicy tenderness and quick cooking.
- Spanish Chorizo: Adds smoky and spicy depth that truly elevates the sauce.
- Tomato Sauce: Provides a rich base with a balance of acidity and sweetness.
- Onion and Garlic: The classic aromatics that build a flavorful foundation.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing and adding a subtle fruity richness.
- Spices (Paprika, Oregano, Cumin): Each adds warmth, earthiness, and complexity to the sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and sharpening the overall flavor.
- Chopped Parsley: A fresh, bright garnish to finish the dish beautifully.
Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations
I love how versatile this Pollo en Salsa: Chicken Thighs in a savory Chorizo and Tomato Sauce Recipe is! Feel free to make it your own by trying these simple variations that adapt perfectly to your pantry and palate.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or chopped fresh chilies for a livelier heat.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in sliced bell peppers or zucchini with the onions for added texture and nutrition.
- Dairy Twist: Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end for a silkier sauce.
- Herb Swap: Experiment with fresh cilantro, thyme, or even rosemary for different herbal notes.
How to Make Pollo en Salsa: Chicken Thighs in a savory Chorizo and Tomato Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by trimming any excess fat from your chicken thighs. Pat them dry and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides — this simple seasoning sets the stage for that rich, savory flavor that carries through the whole dish.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook without moving for about 5 minutes to get a beautiful golden crust. Flip and cook the other side for another 5 minutes. Don’t worry if some bits stick to the pan — these browned bits will add incredible flavor to your sauce later!
Step 3: Set Chicken Aside and Sauté Aromatics
Remove the skillet from the heat and carefully take out the chicken. Cover it loosely with foil to keep warm — you can even keep it in a warm oven or microwave without turning it on. Without washing the pan, return it to medium heat and toss in the diced onions, cooking until they soften and get fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Step 4: Build the Sauce with Chorizo and Spices
Add minced garlic and diced chorizo to the softened onions. Stir frequently for 30 seconds to a minute until everything smells irresistible and the chorizo begins to release its flavorful oils. Sprinkle in paprika, oregano, and cumin — that smoky, earthy combination is what makes this Pollo en Salsa stand out.
Step 5: Add Tomato Sauce and Simmer
Pour in the tomato sauce and a splash of water to loosen things up, scraping the pan gently to lift those delicious browned bits from earlier. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, along with any juices on the plate, nestling them into the sauce.
Step 6: Let It All Cook Together
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and let everything cook for about 20 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally to coat it well and ensure even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part reaches 165°F for perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat chicken. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Pro Tips for Making Pollo en Salsa: Chicken Thighs in a savory Chorizo and Tomato Sauce Recipe
Pro Tips for Making Pollo en Salsa: Chicken Thighs in a savory Chorizo and Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Use a Heavy Skillet: A cast iron or heavy-bottom pan helps achieve a nice sear and retains heat evenly for perfect cooking.
- Don’t Skip the Browned Bits: Leaving those caramelized pieces in the pan when making the sauce adds rich, deep flavor.
- Check Chicken Temperature: Using a thermometer ensures your chicken is juicy and safely cooked without guessing.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce gets too thick, add a bit more water or stock; too thin, simmer a little longer uncovered.
How to Serve Pollo en Salsa: Chicken Thighs in a savory Chorizo and Tomato Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a lovely color contrast and a hint of fresh brightness that complements the rich sauce perfectly. For a little extra zest, a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the plate before serving can really wake up your palate.
Side Dishes
Traditionally, this dish shines served over fluffy white rice which soaks up all that luscious sauce. You can also pair it with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a hearty and balanced meal. Crusty bread on the side is a must-have to mop up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party twist, serve the chicken thighs on small plates topped with dollops of tangy sour cream and a scattering of sliced olives or chopped roasted peppers. You could also pile the chicken and sauce on warm tortillas for a delicious, rustic taco-inspired meal that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making it even tastier for the next meal. Enjoy within 3-4 days to keep your dish fresh and delicious.
Freezing
This Pollo en Salsa freezes beautifully! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, label them, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you want a quick, satisfying meal, just thaw and reheat — an absolute life-saver on busy days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to bring it back to a luscious consistency. Microwave works well too, just cover loosely and stir halfway through.
FAQs
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Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in thighs will add extra flavor but will require a longer cooking time. Just ensure you simmer until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
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What if I can’t find Spanish chorizo?
If you can’t get Spanish chorizo, a smoky, spicy sausage such as Mexican chorizo or even a good quality smoked paprika and sausage combo can work well as a substitute.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The Pollo en Salsa recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your chorizo and tomato sauce labels to ensure they don’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients.
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Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or hearty mushrooms and replace chorizo with smoked paprika and a splash of liquid smoke to replicate that smoky depth.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about this Pollo en Salsa: Chicken Thighs in a savory Chorizo and Tomato Sauce Recipe — it’s wholesome, full of flavor, and just feels like home on a plate. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it brings warmth and joy to your table. Happy cooking!
PrintPollo en Salsa: Chicken Thighs in a savory Chorizo and Tomato Sauce Recipe
Pollo en Salsa is a flavorful Spanish-inspired dish featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs simmered in a rich tomato sauce with savory Spanish chorizo, aromatic spices, and garlic. This comforting one-pan meal combines the smokiness of paprika with oregano and cumin, creating a delicious sauce that elevates the juicy chicken pieces, perfect served over white rice for a satisfying dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds Chicken Thighs, boneless and skinless (8 pieces)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
Sauce
- 1 Medium Onion, finely diced
- 3-4 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 ounces Spanish Chorizo, casing removed and diced into small pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon Cumin
- 16 ounces Tomato Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Water
Garnish
- Chopped Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare and Season Chicken: Remove any fat from the boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Heat Oil and Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 5 minutes on one side.
- Flip and Continue Cooking Chicken: Flip the chicken using a spatula and cook for another 5 minutes. Some chicken bits may stick to the pan; these bits will add flavor to the sauce.
- Remove Chicken from Skillet: Take the skillet off the heat, remove the chicken thighs, and place them on a plate. Keep the chicken warm by loosely covering with foil or placing in a warm area.
- Sauté Onions: Without washing the skillet, return it to medium heat, add the finely diced onions, and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently until softened.
- Add Garlic, Chorizo, and Spices: Add minced garlic, diced chorizo, paprika, oregano, and cumin to the skillet. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute while stirring to combine flavors.
- Incorporate Tomato Sauce and Water: Pour in the tomato sauce and water while stirring, gently scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan to integrate the deep flavors.
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Add the chicken thighs back into the skillet along with any juices collected on the plate to enrich the sauce.
- Simmer the Sauce and Chicken: Once the sauce begins to simmer, reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally and turning the chicken for even cooking.
- Check Doneness: Ensure the internal temperature of the largest chicken piece reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Adjust Seasoning and Garnish: Taste the sauce and add salt if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley to add freshness and color.
- Serve: Serve the Pollo en Salsa hot, ideally over white rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- Keep the chicken warm after initial cooking to prevent cooling while preparing the sauce.
- Do not wash the skillet before cooking the sauce; the browned bits add rich flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer if unsure about chicken doneness for food safety.
- Serve with white rice or crusty bread to enjoy the flavorful sauce fully.
