One-Pan Chicken with Endless Flavor Variations
One-Pan Chicken with Endless Flavor Variations is an easy, flavorful dinner recipe featuring juicy bone-in chicken cooked alongside fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs in a single skillet. This versatile dish is designed for effortless preparation, minimal cleanup, and endless customization to suit your taste preferences and pantry staples.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- Bone-in chicken thighs or breasts, about 4 pieces
Oils & Liquids
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or preferred liquid (lemon juice, vinegar, or sauce base)
Fresh Vegetables
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
Herbs and Spices
- 1 teaspoon rosemary (fresh or dried)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional Variations
- Mediterranean: olives, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano
- Spicy Cajun: Cajun seasoning, corn
- Asian-Inspired: soy sauce, ginger, sesame seeds
- Herb Garden Fresh: fresh basil, parsley, thyme
- Comforting Creamy: cream or coconut milk (added at end)
- Prep Your Ingredients: Pat the chicken dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and your chosen spices. Chop all selected vegetables and herbs so they are ready when you begin cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron over medium-high heat. Place chicken skin-side down and sear until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and sear the other side for 3-4 minutes to seal in the flavors.
- Add Vegetables and Aromatics: Remove the chicken briefly and add chopped onions, garlic, and other vegetables to the pan. Sauté until softened and beginning to caramelize, enhancing the dish’s depth.
- Combine and Simmer: Return chicken to the pan atop the vegetables. Pour in broth, lemon juice, or your preferred sauce base. Cover and reduce heat to low, letting everything simmer until the chicken is cooked through and flavors meld, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped herbs over the dish to add vibrant freshness and lift the complex flavors.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper searing and crispy skin.
- Layer spices at different cooking stages to build complexity.
- Adjust the amount of liquid so the chicken simmers without stewing or drying out.
- Let the chicken rest briefly after cooking to retain juices and tenderness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: one-pan chicken, easy chicken dinner, versatile chicken recipe, gluten free chicken, weeknight meals, chicken thighs recipe