A chicken and veggie skillet only needs one pan to cook everything, making it ideal for those who want to simplify dinner.
The dish uses simple ingredients like chicken, bell peppers, onions, and garlic, which are easy to find and budget-friendly.
Cooking this meal takes around 35 minutes, but the steps are straightforward and designed to minimize stress.
About the Ingredients
1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
These are juicy and flavorful, but you can use chicken breasts if preferred. Choose thighs for more moisture.
1 red bell pepper, sliced
Red bell peppers add sweetness and color. If you don't have them, use green or yellow instead.
1 medium onion, sliced
Onion adds a base layer of flavor. Use a shallot or white onion if red is unavailable.
2 garlic cloves, minced
Garlic enhances the depth of flavor. Substitute with 1 teaspoon garlic powder if fresh is not available.
1 tablespoon olive oil
Use any neutral oil, like avocado or vegetable. Extra virgin olive oil is best for flavor.
1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
Chicken broth adds moisture. Use water or vegetable broth if you prefer a lighter flavor.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Smoked paprika adds a warm, earthy flavor. Use regular paprika if it's not available.
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Thyme adds a subtle herbal note. Substitute with rosemary or oregano if you have it.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Black pepper enhances the seasoning. Use freshly ground for more flavor.
1/4 cup (30g) sliced almonds or breadcrumbs
This adds a nice texture on top. Use panko or crushed crackers as an alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables, but they may release more water, so add them a few minutes after the onions and peppers.
Q: What if I don't have a cast iron skillet?
A stainless steel or heavy non-stick skillet will work just fine. Just ensure it's oven-safe if needed.
Q: How do I know the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is done when it's no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear. You can also test with a thermometer.
Q: Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can cook it up to 24 hours ahead and reheat it gently to keep the chicken moist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the pan
Heat a cast iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it shimmer before adding the chicken.
2. Sear the chicken
Place the chicken in the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the veggies
Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes until they are softened and slightly browned.
4. Add garlic and spices
Stir in the minced garlic and spices. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant and the onions are golden.
5. Return the chicken to the pan
Place the chicken back in the pan and pour in the chicken broth. Cover and reduce heat to low.
6. Simmer the dish
Let the chicken and veggies simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors have melded.
7. Add texture and finish
Sprinkle the sliced almonds or breadcrumbs over the top and cook for 3-5 minutes until golden and crisp.
8. Rest and serve
Turn off the heat and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Serve as is or with a side of rice or crusty bread.
Tips & Tricks
- Pat the chicken dry before cooking to ensure it browns well and doesn't steam.
- Use a cast iron skillet for even heat distribution and a better sear.
- Add the vegetables after the chicken to avoid overcooking them.
- If you're short on time, use pre-chopped vegetables from the grocery store.
Delicious Variations
- Substitute the chicken with tofu or shrimp for a meat-free or seafood option.
- Add zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for different vegetable combinations.
- Use a different type of spice, like cumin or curry powder, for a variety of flavors.
How to Store Bring simplicity to dinner with one pan meals and satisfying one
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
Freezer
Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat over low heat with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.
This one pan chicken and veggie skillet is perfect for weeknights, and it's easy to customize. Try it out and see how it simplifies your mealtime routine.
Bring simplicity to dinner with one pan meals and satisfying one
This one pan chicken and veggie skillet delivers a flavorful, satisfying meal with minimal cleanup and just a few simple ingredients.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup (30g) sliced almonds or breadcrumbs
📋 Instructions
- 1Preheat the pan — Heat a cast iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it shimmer before adding the chicken.
- 2Sear the chicken — Place the chicken in the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- 3Cook the veggies — Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes until they are softened and slightly browned.
- 4Add garlic and spices — Stir in the minced garlic and spices. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant and the onions are golden.
- 5Return the chicken to the pan — Place the chicken back in the pan and pour in the chicken broth. Cover and reduce heat to low.
- 6Simmer the dish — Let the chicken and veggies simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors have melded.
- 7Add texture and finish — Sprinkle the sliced almonds or breadcrumbs over the top and cook for 3-5 minutes until golden and crisp.
- 8Rest and serve — Turn off the heat and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Serve as is or with a side of rice or crusty bread.