Spanish Chicken in Bravas Sauce

Spanish Chicken in Bravas Sauce is a bold, flavor-packed dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a smoky, spicy tomato-based sauce inspired by the classic Spanish patatas bravas. It’s rustic, hearty, and full of depth—perfect for a satisfying dinner served with crusty bread, roasted potatoes, or rice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this dish because it brings together rich Mediterranean flavors in such a simple way. The bravas sauce is the real star—spicy, tangy, and savory with layers of paprika, garlic, and tomatoes. It coats the chicken beautifully and turns an everyday meal into something exciting. It’s one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day, and it’s great for both casual dinners and entertaining guests.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

• Olive oil

• Onion, finely chopped

• Garlic, minced

• Smoked paprika

• Sweet paprika

• Cayenne pepper or chili flakes (optional, for heat)

• Crushed tomatoes (or tomato passata)

• Chicken broth

• White wine (optional)

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

directions

1. I season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a touch of smoked paprika.

2. In a large skillet or pan, I heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown. I remove it from the pan and set it aside.

3. In the same pan, I sauté the onion until soft, then add the garlic and cook until fragrant.

4. I stir in the smoked paprika, sweet paprika, and cayenne (if using) and cook briefly to toast the spices.

5. I pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and wine (if using), then stir and bring the sauce to a simmer.

6. I return the chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer on low heat for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.

7. I remove the lid for the last 5–10 minutes to let the sauce reduce if needed.

8. I garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 10–15 minutes to prepare and 30–35 minutes to cook, making it ready in around 45–50 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add sliced chorizo for extra smokiness, or olives for a briny touch. If I want it even spicier, I use hot smoked paprika or add chopped fresh chili. I’ve also made it with bone-in chicken for richer flavor—just increase the cooking time slightly.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave. The flavors deepen as it sits, so it’s often even better the next day. It also freezes well—just cool it completely before storing in freezer-safe containers.

FAQs

What’s bravas sauce made of?

It’s a tomato-based sauce spiced with paprika, garlic, and sometimes chili. It’s smoky, savory, and a little spicy—perfect for bold dishes.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but I prefer thighs for their juiciness. Breasts work too—just be careful not to overcook them.

What’s the best side to serve with this dish?

I usually go with roasted potatoes, rice, or a warm crusty baguette to soak up the sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often make it a day ahead and reheat it—the flavors only improve after resting.

Is this dish very spicy?

It has a mild to moderate heat. I control the spice level by adjusting the cayenne or chili flakes.

Conclusion

Spanish Chicken in Bravas Sauce is a fiery, flavorful dish that always delivers comfort and satisfaction. I love how simple ingredients come together to make something so rich and bold. Whether I’m cooking for myself or for friends, this recipe never fails to impress and is always worth making again.