Kicking Chicken Recipe

We’ve all craved a dish that packs serious flavor and a spicy kick and our Kicking Chicken Recipe delivers just that. It’s a bold twist on classic poultry blending fiery spices with simple ingredients for an unforgettable meal.

Drawing from everyday kitchen staples we’ve perfected this crowd-pleaser over years of testing. Whether you’re spicing up weeknight dinners or impressing guests you’ll love how easy it is to create.

Ingredients

In our Kicking Chicken Recipe, we’ve curated a list of straightforward, everyday ingredients that deliver that bold, spicy punch we’ve perfected through years of testing. To ensure seamless preparation, we’ve ordered these ingredients as they are used in the steps ahead. Bold text highlights key components, and we’ve noted any prep specifics for accuracy.

  • Chicken thighs (1.5 pounds, boneless and skinless, trimmed of excess fat – these form the hearty base we sear first for maximum flavor)
  • Olive oil (2 tablespoons, for browning the chicken and building a flavorful base)
  • Onion (1 medium, finely chopped – we use this as our aromatic foundation to sauté next)
  • Garlic cloves (4, minced – these add a pungent kick when stirred in shortly after the onion)
  • Red bell pepper (1, diced – provides a sweet contrast that we incorporate for texture and color)
  • Chili powder (2 teaspoons – our secret spice for that fiery essence, blended in to coat the chicken evenly)
  • Cayenne pepper (1 teaspoon, adjust for heat level – this amps up the “kicking” factor we love)
  • Paprika (1 teaspoon, smoked variety recommended – enhances the depth we achieve in seasoning)
  • Canned diced tomatoes (14 ounces, with juices – we add these for a juicy simmer that ties everything together)
  • Chicken broth (1 cup, low-sodium – used to deglaze the pan and create a sauce we reduce later)
  • Fresh cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped – garnished at the end for a fresh, herbaceous finish we can’t skip)

Tools and Equipment

To seamlessly transition from gathering our ingredients to preparing the Kicking Chicken Recipe, we rely on a few essential tools that ensure efficient and safe cooking. These items help us handle everything from chopping fresh produce to simmering the spicy blend of chicken thighs, olive oil, and spices for that bold flavor.

Here’s a curated list of the key tools and equipment we recommend:

  • Large Skillet or Frying Pan: A 12-inch non-stick or cast-iron skillet is ideal for searing the chicken thighs evenly and building layers of flavor with onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. We prefer one with high sides to prevent splatters during simmering.
  • Cutting Board: Opt for a sturdy, BPA-free cutting board at least 12×18 inches to safely chop vegetables like onion and garlic. This prevents cross-contamination and keeps our prep area organized.
  • Chef’s Knife: A sharp 8-inch chef’s knife is crucial for precise dicing of red bell pepper and mincing garlic, allowing us to work quickly and minimize prep time.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: A standard set of stainless-steel measuring cups and spoons ensures accurate portions of ingredients like chili powder, cayenne pepper, and paprika, which are key to achieving the recipe’s signature kick.
  • Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Use a heat-resistant wooden spoon for stirring the mixture of canned diced tomatoes and chicken broth without scratching our skillet, promoting even heat distribution.
  • Can Opener: A manual or electric can opener is necessary for opening the canned diced tomatoes effortlessly, saving time during the cooking process.
Tool Primary Use Why It’s Essential
Large Skillet Searing and simmering Handles high-heat tasks for flavorful results
Cutting Board Chopping ingredients Provides a stable surface for safe prep
Chef’s Knife Dicing and mincing Ensures precision and speed
Measuring Tools Portioning spices and liquids Guarantees recipe accuracy
Wooden Spoon Stirring mixtures Prevents damage to cookware
Can Opener Opening cans Streamlines ingredient incorporation

Instructions

We’ll walk you through the straightforward steps to prepare our Kicking Chicken Recipe, using the ingredients and tools we’ve outlined to deliver a bold, spicy dish that’s bursting with flavor.

Prep

Before we dive into cooking, let’s get everything ready for efficiency and safety. Start by patting 1.5 pounds of chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove moisture, ensuring a golden sear later—boldly enhancing the chicken’s texture and spice absorption. Next, dice 1 medium onion, mince 3 garlic cloves, and chop 1 red bell pepper into 1-inch pieces, using our recommended sharp chef’s knife and sturdy cutting board for precise cuts that release aromatic flavors.

Marinate

We’ll infuse the chicken with our signature kick to build depth of flavor. In a large bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon of paprika, whisking them together until they form a vibrant, fiery paste that promises a tantalizing heat. Add the prepared chicken thighs to the bowl, coating each piece thoroughly with the mixture using a wooden spoon. Let it marinate for at least 15-30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator, allowing the spices to penetrate and awaken the chicken’s savory essence for an irresistible taste.

Cook

With prep complete, it’s time to bring the heat and transform our marinated chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, then add the chicken thighs skin-side down, searing them for 4-5 minutes per side until they develop a crispy, golden-brown crust that locks in juices and amplifies the spicy aroma. Once seared, remove the chicken and set aside, then in the same skillet, sauté the diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped red bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking. Return the chicken to the pan, pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes and 1 cup of chicken broth, and bring to a simmer, cooking covered for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens to a rich, spicy gravy that fills the kitchen with an inviting, bold scent.

Assemble and Serve

To finish, we’ll layer flavors for a complete, balanced dish that’s ready to impress. Stir in ¼ cup of fresh cilantro, chopped, into the skillet for a fresh, herbaceous contrast that brightens the spicy notes. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then serve the chicken atop a bed of rice or with warm tortillas, garnishing each plate with extra cilantro for a pop of color and zest that makes every bite a flavorful adventure.

Conclusion

We’ve loved sharing this Kicking Chicken Recipe as it’s become a staple in our kitchen. It delivers that perfect balance of spice and simplicity.

Try it tonight and see how it elevates your meals—we’re confident it’ll become one of your go-to dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Kicking Chicken Recipe?

The Kicking Chicken Recipe is a bold, spicy twist on traditional poultry dishes, using everyday ingredients like chicken thighs, spices, and veggies. It’s easy to make for weeknight dinners or to impress guests, developed through years of testing for maximum flavor.

What ingredients are needed for Kicking Chicken?

You’ll need chicken thighs, olive oil, onion, garlic, red bell pepper, chili powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, canned diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and fresh cilantro. These are listed in cooking order for simplicity, with bold highlights for key items to ensure a flavorful, spicy result.

How do I prepare Kicking Chicken?

Start by drying and marinating chicken thighs in olive oil and spices. Sear the chicken in a skillet, sauté chopped vegetables, then simmer with tomatoes and broth for a rich gravy. Stir in cilantro before serving over rice or tortillas. Total prep takes about 15 minutes, with cooking around 30 minutes.

What tools are required for Kicking Chicken?

You’ll need a large skillet for searing, a cutting board for chopping veggies, a sharp chef’s knife for dicing, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a wooden spoon for stirring, and a can opener for tomatoes. These ensure safe, efficient cooking and help achieve the recipe’s spicy kick.

Is the Kicking Chicken Recipe spicy?

Yes, it’s designed with bold spices like chili powder, cayenne, and paprika for a fiery flavor. It’s perfect for spice lovers but can be adjusted by reducing cayenne for a milder version, making it versatile for different tastes.

Can I make substitutions in the Kicking Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely, swap chicken thighs for breasts if preferred, or use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a twist. Keep spices intact for the signature kick, and adjust quantities based on taste to maintain the dish’s bold flavor without overcomplicating.

What should I serve Kicking Chicken with?

Serve it over rice for a hearty meal or with warm tortillas for tacos. It’s great with sides like salad or beans to balance the spices, creating a complete, impressive dinner that’s simple yet flavorful.