Spanish Chicken Stew

Ingredients:
2 tbsp olive oil

1 ½ lbs (700g) bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks

1 small onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 green bell pepper, sliced

2 medium tomatoes, chopped

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp ground cumin

½ tsp dried oregano

½ tsp salt (or to taste)

½ tsp black pepper

½ cup green olives, sliced

1 ½ cups chicken broth

1 bay leaf

¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions:
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and brown on both sides for about 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then, add the bell peppers and cook for another 3 minutes.

Build the Flavor: Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until the tomatoes break down and the mixture thickens.

Simmer the Stew: Return the chicken to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Add the bay leaf, olives, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes, until the chicken is tender and the sauce is rich.

Final Touches: Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with rice, crusty bread, or roasted potatoes.

Nutritional Information:
⏰ Prep Time: 15 min | 🔥 Cooking Time: 45 min | ⏳ Total Time: 1 hr
⚡ Calories per serving: ~350 | 🍽️ Servings: 4-6