Spiced Tomato-Baked Chicken Thighs
This Spiced Tomato-Baked Chicken Thighs dish is pure comfort food with a Mediterranean soul. Juicy chicken thighs are rubbed in a deeply aromatic tomato-spice paste, then slowly baked on a bed of sweet onions and fresh tomatoes until everything melts together into a rich, savoury sauce. As it cooks, the onions soften and caramelise, the tomatoes release their juices, and the chicken absorbs all those warm, smoky, citrusy flavours.
It’s one of those wonderfully low-effort, high-reward meals: a bit of mixing, a bit of slicing, then the oven does the rest. Perfect for busy days, family dinners, or when you want something hearty and nourishing that still feels fresh and vibrant. Serve it with rice, potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that sauce.
Benefits of Each Ingredient
Chicken Thighs – Naturally juicy and flavourful, they’re a great source of protein, iron, and B vitamins, staying tender even with longer baking.
Yellow Onions – Add natural sweetness and depth as they soften and caramelise, while also supporting gut and immune health.
Tomatoes – Bring acidity and freshness, helping to balance the richness of the chicken and adding antioxidants like lycopene.
Fresh Parsley – Adds a burst of freshness at the end and provides vitamins A, C, and K.
Tomato Paste – Intensely concentrated tomato flavour that forms the backbone of the spiced rub and creates a rich sauce as it bakes.
Lemon Juice – Brightens the dish, tenderises the chicken, and balances the deep, savoury flavours.
Garlic – Gives the rub bold aroma and warmth, while supporting immune function.
Dried Oregano – Adds earthy, slightly bitter notes that pair beautifully with tomato and chicken.
Smoked Paprika – Brings gentle heat and smokiness, giving the dish a slow-cooked, comforting feel.
Ground Cumin – Adds warmth and depth with a subtle nuttiness that ties all the spices together.
This is the kind of oven-baked chicken recipe that tastes even better the next day — rich, warming, and packed with flavour without being heavy