Chorizo and Chicken Tapas
Smoky chorizo and golden chicken in a rich, paprika-spiked tomato and wine sauce — a one-pan tapas dish made for tearing bread through. Big flavour, little effort, and even better the next day.
Why this works
- Rendering the chorizo first releases its smoky, paprika-red oil, which then flavours everything cooked in it.
- Browning the chicken in that oil builds a savoury base before the sauce goes in.
- A splash of sherry or white wine deglazes the pan and lifts the whole dish with a little acidity.
Ingredient notes and swaps
- Cooking chorizo — the raw, ring type rather than cured slices; it releases the best oil.
- Chicken thigh — cut into bite-sized pieces for tapas.
- Smoked paprika (pimentón) — for depth; a pinch of hot pimentón adds warmth.
- Sherry or dry white wine — fino sherry is the authentic choice.
- Good crusty bread — non-negotiable, for mopping the sauce.

Chorizo and Chicken Tapas
FavouriteIngredients
Method
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Mix the Potato, Chorizo, Parsley and Lemon gently
- Form into 6 balls
- Dip in Flour, Egg and Breadcrumbs
- Fry at 160c for 3 to 4 minutes
- Cook the Chorizo in the Oil add the paprika and oregano and fry for 3-4 minutes
- Add the Chicken to the pan and fry for 8 to 10 minutes, turning until cooked through
- Pop contents of the pan into a serving dish
- Sprinkle over Spring Onions, Parsley and the Lemon juice
- Mix the Red Peppers, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Parsley together pop into a serving dish
- Top with shavings of the Manchego Cheese
- Finally, Spoon the Mayonnaise into the bottom of the dish sit the Potato Cakes on top
Nutrition
Notes
It's important not to overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken; this can lower the pan's temperature and cause the chicken to steam rather than fry. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning and a delicious sear.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Tips for success
- Let the chorizo render slowly so it gives up its oil without burning.
- Do not stir too often once the chicken is browning — let it colour.
- Reduce the sauce until it clings, so it coats rather than pools.
- A scatter of parsley at the end freshens it up.
Make ahead, storage and reheating
- Make ahead — genuinely better the next day, once the flavours meld.
- Storage — keeps three days in the fridge.
- Freezing — freezes well for up to three months.
What to serve it with
- As part of a tapas spread, with patatas bravas, olives and manchego.
- Or on its own with plenty of bread and a glass of Rioja.
FAQ
Which chorizo should I use? Fresh cooking chorizo — the soft, raw type, not the thin cured slices — for far more flavour.
No sherry — what else? Dry white wine, or a splash of chicken stock with a little vinegar.
Can I make it a full meal? Yes — serve over rice or with roasted potatoes to turn tapas into a main.
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