Ingredients

  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 tablespoon whole cumin seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ancho chile powder
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/8 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 4 thighs)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 fresh Thai chile, halved lengthwise, seeds discarded, and minced
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 (7-ounce) yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced
  • 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, preferably San Marzanos, crushed by hand

Method

  • In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon, paprika, caraway, coriander, and cumin.
  • Stir everything together and set aside.
  • In a small bowl, combine the turmeric, chile powders, coriander, caraway, and cinnamon.
  • Stir everything together and set aside.
  • Rinse the chicken, pat it dry with paper towels, and arrange the pieces on a large plate.
  • In a small bowl, combine Spice Mix 1, the garlic, Thai chile, and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil.
  • Coat the chicken with this mixture, rubbing it in thoroughly.
  • Allow the chicken to marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature, or overnight in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap.
  • Heat the oven to 400 degrees F and arrange a rack in the middle.
  • Season the chicken thighs all over with salt and pepper.
  • Over medium-high heat, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed saute pan with high sides and a tightfitting lid.
  • When the oil is shimmering, add the chicken and sear on the first side, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Using tongs, flip the pieces and sear on the other side, 2 to 3 minutes more.
  • Remove from the pan and set aside.
  • Reduce the heat to medium and add the onion and Spice Mix 2 to the same pan in which you seared the chicken.
  • Saute until the onion is very soft and translucent, about 7 minutes.
  • Add the tomatoes and stir to combine.
  • Raise the heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer.
  • Add the reserved chicken to the simmering tomatoes, nestling the pieces into the sauce.
  • Cover the pan and transfer to the oven.
  • Braise until the chicken is tender and cooked through, about 10 minutes.
  • Taste the braising liquid and add additional salt and pepper as needed.
  • Divide the chicken and sauce evenly between 2 warmed, shallow bowls and serve.