The robust flavors of Spain come alive in this warming and rustic one-pan meal. Smoky chorizo renders its bold juices into a savory tomato base, while crispy-skinned chicken soaks in all that goodness. Roasted baby potatoes and sweet cherry tomatoes round out this hearty dish, creating a comforting and satisfying dinner you’ll want to make again and again.
This dish is all about minimal effort and maximum flavor. A few humble ingredients come together in just one pan, saving you time on cleanup while still delivering restaurant-worthy results. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting friends, this Spanish-inspired bake brings the bold flair of Mediterranean cooking straight to your kitchen.
Full Recipe:
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (approx. 250g each)
8–12 baby potatoes, halved (or 3 medium potatoes, quartered)
2 cured chorizo sausages (150–200g), sliced into thin rounds
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small red bell pepper (capsicum), sliced
1 small red onion, sliced
1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp dried oregano
1/2–1 punnet cherry tomatoes (125–250g)
Fresh oregano leaves (optional, for garnish)
For the Rub:
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 1/2 tbsp paprika
1/4–1/2 tsp cayenne or chili powder
1 1/2 tsp salt
Black pepper, to taste
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
Mix all rub ingredients in a bowl and coat the chicken thoroughly.
Parboil or microwave potatoes until just tender.
In a large ovenproof skillet or casserole dish, heat over high and sear the chicken, skin-side down, until browned (1.5 mins each side). Remove and set aside.
Sauté chorizo slices until slightly browned (1 min per side), then set aside with chicken.
If needed, add a splash of olive oil. Sauté garlic, bell pepper, and onion for 2 mins.
Add crushed tomatoes and oregano, stir well, then return chicken, chorizo, potatoes, and cherry tomatoes to the pan.
Make sure chicken is nestled into the sauce. Cover with lid or foil and bake for 30–40 mins until chicken is tender and rich in color.
Garnish with fresh oregano and serve hot.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 773 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Flavorful Journey to Spain: One Pan Spanish Chicken with Chorizo and Potatoes
When it comes to bold, rustic, and soul-warming meals, few cuisines deliver like Spanish cooking. The One Pan Spanish Chicken with Chorizo and Potatoes is a true celebration of classic Mediterranean flavors—rich, smoky, tangy, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re looking to break out of your weeknight dinner rut or serve something impressive without the fuss, this one-pan wonder is a go-to solution that brings restaurant-quality results to your kitchen.
What Makes This Dish Special
What sets this dish apart is its simplicity, depth of flavor, and ease of preparation. With just one oven-safe pan or casserole dish, you create a hearty, balanced, and flavor-packed meal featuring tender, juicy chicken thighs, spicy chorizo sausage, slow-roasted baby potatoes, and a vibrant tomato base.
But it’s not just about convenience. This dish showcases the power of layering flavors. First, the chicken is seasoned with a paprika-rich rub and seared for texture. Then comes the chorizo, which renders its spiced oils and infuses the pan with an irresistible smoky aroma. A blend of garlic, capsicum, onion, and tomatoes creates a rustic sauce that holds everything together while gently roasting in the oven. The result? A rich, savory medley that’s more than the sum of its parts.
The Influence of Spanish Cuisine
At its core, this recipe is inspired by traditional Spanish culinary techniques and ingredients. Paprika (pimentón) is central to the flavor profile—bringing earthy, sweet, and smoky notes that are iconic in Spanish dishes. Chorizo, with its garlic-forward, paprika-laden profile, is another Spanish staple, bringing umami and subtle heat.
The use of slow-cooked tomatoes, roasted vegetables, and aromatic herbs like oregano also reflects the Mediterranean influence. Spain’s regional cooking styles often involve slow-roasting or braising meats with simple pantry ingredients to create deeply satisfying dishes that feel like comfort food with a European soul.
This recipe doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel—it honors those traditions while adapting them to suit a modern kitchen and busy lifestyle. That’s the beauty of it.
Why One Pan Meals Are Worth Celebrating
In an age where we all crave meals that are both nutritious and efficient, one-pan recipes are a kitchen hero. There’s less cleanup, fewer dishes, and minimal stress. But that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on taste or nutrition. This dish is a perfect example: it offers protein, complex carbs, and vegetables all in one pan. The tomatoes even create their own luscious sauce—no need for a separate reduction or gravy.
One-pan meals also allow ingredients to intermingle during the cooking process, which builds layers of flavor. The juices from the chicken and chorizo combine with the tomatoes and potatoes to form a sauce that’s rich, hearty, and full of character.
Tips for Making It Your Own
One of the best things about this dish is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ideas for customizing it to your taste:
Use different cuts of chicken: While bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs add flavor and moisture, you can easily swap them for drumsticks, boneless thighs, or even chicken breasts (though the latter may dry out more easily if overcooked).
Add greens or other vegetables: Want to boost the veggie content? Toss in some kale or spinach during the final 10 minutes of baking, or stir in peas right before serving.
Spice it up or tone it down: If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of cayenne in the rub. Prefer a kick? Add a few chili flakes or smoked hot paprika.
Make it low-carb: Replace the potatoes with chunks of cauliflower or zucchini. You’ll still get that hearty texture without the starch.
Turn it into a stew: If you want a saucier version, simply add some chicken broth or white wine to the tomato mixture before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but a few simple additions can turn it into a full spread:
Crusty bread: Perfect for mopping up the rich tomato and chorizo sauce.
Simple salad: A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
Glass of Rioja: This Spanish red wine pairs beautifully with the smoky paprika and roasted meats.
Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or cooking for one with leftovers in mind, this dish delivers. It also reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Why This Dish is a Fan Favorite
It’s no surprise that this recipe has become a favorite in many households. First and foremost, it’s a crowd-pleaser—adults love the savory depth, while kids enjoy the tender chicken and flavorful potatoes. It also checks the boxes for those looking for:
Gluten-free meals
Hearty, filling dinners
Bold and spicy flavors
Minimal cleanup
Prep-ahead convenience
And if you’re someone who likes to cook once and eat twice, you’re in luck. This meal stores beautifully in the fridge and tastes just as good—if not better—the next day, once the flavors have had more time to meld.
The History Behind Chorizo and Its Role in Spanish Cooking
To truly appreciate this recipe, it’s worth taking a moment to recognize the legacy of chorizo in Spanish cuisine. Spanish chorizo is a cured sausage made from pork and seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic. Its history stretches back hundreds of years, rooted in the rural traditions of preserving meat using natural spices.
There are countless regional variations across Spain, each with unique spice levels, textures, and curing methods. In many Spanish households, chorizo is a pantry essential—used in everything from stews and soups to tapas and sandwiches. Its inclusion in this chicken dish is more than just a flavor choice—it’s a nod to a deeply cultural and culinary heritage.
When cooked, chorizo releases oil that’s bright red from the paprika and rich with meaty, spicy flavor. This oil becomes the flavor base of the sauce, binding all the components of the dish together in a deeply satisfying way.
Conclusion: A Recipe That Brings People Together
The One Pan Spanish Chicken with Chorizo and Potatoes isn’t just another weeknight meal—it’s a dish that celebrates bold flavors, simplicity, and the joy of cooking for others. With minimal prep and maximum payoff, it’s the kind of recipe that reminds us how a handful of good ingredients can transform into something magical with the right technique.
Perfect for cozy nights, casual gatherings, or any time you crave a taste of Spain, this one-pan wonder is destined to become a regular in your kitchen. It’s a recipe that brings warmth to your table, aromas to your home, and smiles to the people you feed.
So go ahead—slice up that chorizo, grab your favorite pan, and let this dish transport you straight to the heart of Spain. It’s a meal you’ll make again and again, not just because it’s easy, but because it’s unforgettably delicious.