Name: Spanish Chicken in Bravas Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 8 chicken thighs; salt to taste; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, sliced; 1 red bell pepper (red pepper), sliced; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme); 400g / 14oz canned chopped tomatoes; 1/2 cup / 125ml water; 1 tbsp red wine vinegar; salt to taste; 240g / 1 cup white beans such as cannellini or chickpeas, canned; 90g / 1/2 cup green olives or black olives, any kind; 2-3 sprigs flat leaf parsley, chopped

Jump to Recipe·5 from 31 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with warmth, color, and bold flavors, then you absolutely need to try my Spanish Chicken in Bravas Sauce Recipe. This isn’t just any chicken dinner—it’s a vibrant, cozy meal that feels like a hug from Spain right in your own kitchen. Trust me, once you get the hang of the sauce (spoiler: it’s easier than it looks), you’ll keep coming back to this recipe for all those weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings. Keep reading, because I’m about to walk you through all the juicy details and secrets that make this dish fan-freaking-tastic.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The smoky paprika and red wine vinegar create a tangy, flavorful sauce that complements the tender chicken beautifully.
One-Pan Magic: Starting on the stovetop and finishing in the oven means less cleanup and better layering of flavors.
Versatile Ingredients: Using pantry staples like canned tomatoes, beans, and olives means you can make this anytime without a special trip to the store.
Comforting and Crowd-Friendly: Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests with minimal fuss.

Spanish Chicken in Bravas Sauce, Spanish chicken recipe, Bravas sauce chicken, Spanish-inspired chicken dish, flavorful chicken dinner - The image shows a white pot filled with five browned chicken thighs on top of a thick, red tomato sauce. The sauce contains white beans, whole green and black olives, and slices of red pepper, all mixed evenly around the chicken. The chicken skin is golden and crispy with some sprinkled green herbs on top. One silver spoon scoops up some sauce with beans and olives, resting near the bottom left of the pot. The pot's edge is slightly stained with sauce, and the background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The heart of this Spanish Chicken in Bravas Sauce Recipe is all in the simple, robust ingredients that come together to make a sauce bursting with smoky, tangy goodness. Each element adds its own special magic, which is why I always buy quality chicken thighs and keep key pantry items like smoked paprika and canned tomatoes on hand.

Spanish Chicken in Bravas Sauce, Spanish chicken recipe, Bravas sauce chicken, Spanish-inspired chicken dish, flavorful chicken dinner - Flat lay of fresh raw chicken thighs with smooth skin, a small mound of coarse sea salt crystals, a white ceramic bowl with bright golden olive oil, a whole red bell pepper sliced lengthwise showing its seeds, a chopped yellow onion with white and purple layers, a few fresh thyme sprigs with tiny green leaves, several garlic cloves sliced thinly, a small white bowl filled with vibrant chopped red tomatoes, a small white bowl of clear water, a small white bowl holding deep red wine vinegar, a small white bowl filled with plump white cannellini beans, a small white bowl with shiny green olives, and a few sprigs of fresh flat-leaf parsley with bright green leaves, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: The base for browning the chicken and sautéing veggies, it brings out rich flavors without overpowering.
Chicken thighs: I prefer thighs for this recipe because they stay juicy and absorb the sauce better than breasts.
Salt: Simple seasoning to bring all the flavors forward—don’t skip it!
Smoked paprika: This is a game-changer—adds that signature smoky depth crucial to bravas sauce.
Onion: Sweated until soft, the onion forms a mellow sweetness that balances the tangy tomatoes.
Garlic: Sliced for subtle bursts of aromatic flavor throughout the dish.
Red bell pepper: Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant color; feel free to use green if you like a bit more bite.
Thyme: Fresh or dried, thyme adds an earthy herbal note that complements the chicken perfectly.
Canned chopped tomatoes: The tomato base of the sauce, lending acidity and body.
Water: Helps loosen the sauce without watering down the flavor.
Red wine vinegar: This adds brightness and that signature tang that cuts through the richness.
White beans (cannellini or chickpeas): They make the dish more filling and add a nice creamy texture.
Olives: Briny, salty olives give an authentic Mediterranean punch.
Flat leaf parsley: Fresh parsley at the end adds color and a herbal freshness that lifts the entire dish.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love that this Spanish Chicken in Bravas Sauce Recipe is so easy to customize based on what you like and what you have in your pantry. Here are a few ways I’ve adapted it over time to suit different moods and occasions.

Spicier kick: When I want heat, I toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped fresh chili with the smoked paprika—deliciously fiery without overwhelming.
Vegetarian version: Simply swap chicken with chunky roasted cauliflower or mushrooms for a hearty plant-based alternative that still soaks up all that bravas flavor.
Herb swaps: If you don’t have thyme, rosemary or oregano work beautifully as a substitute—each brings its own subtle twist.
Make it a stew: Add extra water or broth if you want a saucier, more stew-like consistency perfect over crusty bread.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spanish Chicken in Bravas Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Brown the chicken to lock in flavor

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). While it’s warming up, sprinkle your chicken thighs with smoked paprika and a generous pinch of salt on both sides. Then heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat—once it’s hot, add the chicken in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan. Brown each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden, but don’t worry if the chicken isn’t fully cooked through yet. I find this step is super important because it seals in flavor and gives you that gorgeous, crispy skin. Once browned, set the chicken aside—don’t clean the pan because we’re going to build flavor right in it.

Step 2: Build the bravas sauce on your stovetop

Into the same pan, add your chopped onion, sliced red pepper, and sliced garlic—cook over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until everything softens and smells amazing. Then sprinkle in the smoked paprika and add thyme leaves (strip the sprigs so you’re only adding leaves). Keep cooking for another 5 minutes to really toast those spices, which brings that smoky, earthy depth to life. Next, pour in the canned tomatoes, water, and red wine vinegar along with a pinch of salt. Turn up the heat to bring it all to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it gently bubble away for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and melds together beautifully.

Step 3: Add beans, olives, and bake to finish

Once your sauce has thickened, stir in the olives and white beans. They add such a lovely texture and briny brightness that rounds the dish out. Then lay your browned chicken thighs on top of the sauce—this helps them finish cooking while soaking up all those wonderful flavors. Pop the skillet or transfer everything to an oven-safe dish if your pan isn’t ovenproof, then bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes. The chicken should be juicy and fully cooked through, and the sauce bubbling gently around it. When it’s done, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of green and freshness.

I always serve this over fluffy rice, but it’s just as good with crusty bread to mop up every bit of that soulful sauce.

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Pro Tips for Making Spanish Chicken in Bravas Sauce Recipe

Don’t Skip Browning: Taking the time to brown the chicken adds incredible depth and texture to the final dish that you just can’t get otherwise.
Toast Your Spices: Cooking smoked paprika with the veggies unlocks its smoky essence—don’t throw it in raw or you’ll miss out on flavor.
Use Bone-in Thighs: They stay moister and more flavorful than boneless, but if you prefer boneless, just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Simmer Don’t Rush: Letting the sauce reduce slowly ensures thick, rich bravas sauce—if you’re impatient to eat, your sauce might be thinner and less flavorful.

How to Serve Spanish Chicken in Bravas Sauce Recipe

Spanish Chicken in Bravas Sauce, Spanish chicken recipe, Bravas sauce chicken, Spanish-inspired chicken dish, flavorful chicken dinner - A white pot filled with six pieces of browned chicken thighs in a thick red tomato sauce with white beans, green and black olives, and slices of red bell pepper scattered throughout. The chicken pieces have a crispy brown textured skin, sitting immersed in the sauce full of small herbs and vegetables. Next to the pot, on a white plate, are two chicken thighs with some sauce, beans, and olives on top, with a silver spoon resting on the plate partially covered in sauce and a green olive. The pot sits on a weathered rustic surface, with a gray cloth to the side, all placed on a white marbled texture background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of finishing this dish with a handful of chopped fresh parsley—it brightens the smoky flavors and adds a pretty, fresh green contrast. Sometimes I add a drizzle of good quality olive oil or sprinkle a little extra smoked paprika if I’m serving to guests who love bold tastes. For a touch of creaminess, a dollop of garlic yogurt on the side is a surprising but wonderful partner.

Side Dishes

Rice is my go-to because it soaks up the luscious sauce perfectly, but I’ve also served this with crispy roasted potatoes or even a simple green salad to lighten things up. When I want to make it a full tapas-style spread, I serve it alongside roasted veggies and crusty bread for everyone to share.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered the bravas sauce and chicken in individual ramekins and topped with fresh herbs for a pretty, personal serving. Another favorite is to make mini chicken and bravas sauce sliders using rustic rolls—fun for parties and super easy for guests to grab.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Spanish Chicken in Bravas Sauce tastes just as good the next day. I let it cool down, then store everything together in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so I often plan to have this recipe as lunch the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover portions successfully by portioning out chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers. Just be sure to leave some headspace for expansion and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This is a great option if you want to batch cook and enjoy it later!

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of water or broth helps loosen the sauce if it thickened too much in the fridge. You can also reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) covered with foil to maintain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Spanish Chicken in Bravas Sauce Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer. Just be mindful that they cook faster and can dry out more easily. I suggest reducing the baking time by about 10 minutes and keeping a close eye to prevent overcooking.
Is smoked paprika necessary for the bravas sauce?

Smoked paprika is crucial for authentic flavor, giving the sauce that smoky richness. If you don’t have it, regular paprika works in a pinch, but consider adding a touch of chipotle or a mild smoked chili powder to mimic the smoky notes.
Can I make the bravas sauce without olives or beans?

Absolutely! The olives and beans add texture and flavor but aren’t mandatory. If you omit them, consider adding extra tomatoes or a splash of broth to keep the sauce luscious and well-balanced.
What should I serve with this Spanish Chicken in Bravas Sauce Recipe?

Rice is a classic choice for soaking up all the sauce, but roasted potatoes, crusty bread, or even a light salad work beautifully. It’s a versatile dish that pairs well with many sides depending on your mood.

Final Thoughts

This Spanish Chicken in Bravas Sauce Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels both a little special and utterly approachable — just like chatting with a good friend about food you love. I remember the first time I made it; the way the smoky sauce clung to the juicy chicken made me smile like I’d stumbled on a new favorite. It’s the kind of meal that will become your “go-to,” whether it’s a casual family dinner or a way to impress without stress. Give it a try, tweak it the way you like, and enjoy every saucy, smoky bite!

Spanish Chicken in Bravas Sauce Recipe