Season the chicken thighs on both sides with salt and pepper.
2 to 2 1/2 pounds chicken thighs, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Heat 4 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large dutch oven or skillet on high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs skin side down and brown for 4-5 minutes before flipping and browning on the other side. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
6 Tablespoons olive oil
Drain the grease, then add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium high heat. Add the onion and cook for 2 minutes. Add the bell pepper and continue to cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until onions have softened.
1 large onion, 1 red bell pepper
Add the tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, then cover the dutch oven or skillet with a lid and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes.
26 ounces San Marzano tomatoes, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Return the chicken to the pan and nestle the pieces into the tomato sauce. Cover with the lid again and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 30 minutes, until chicken is tender and cooked through.
Stir in the chopped cilantro and minced garlic. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.
1/2-1 cup fresh cilantro, 4 garlic cloves
Serve the stew with additional cilantro sprinkled over the top and naan bread or rice.