One-Pan Chicken with Endless Flavor Variations
One-Pan Chicken with Endless Flavor Variations is a quick, easy, and versatile dish that combines juicy chicken, colorful vegetables, and bold seasonings in a single skillet. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this recipe offers endless customization options to fit your taste and dietary needs while minimizing cleanup.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Baking
- Cuisine: American, Flexible Style (can customize with Italian, Moroccan, Cajun, Asian flavors)
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- Boneless chicken breasts, thighs, or bone-in pieces (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
Vegetables
- Bell peppers (1-2, sliced)
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup)
- Onions (1 medium, sliced)
- Zucchini (1 medium, sliced)
Herbs and Spices
- Garlic (3-4 cloves, minced)
- Paprika (1 to 2 tsp)
- Thyme (1 tsp dried or 2 tsp fresh)
- Rosemary (1 tsp dried or 2 tsp fresh)
- Cumin (optional, 1 tsp)
Other Ingredients
- Olive oil (3 tbsp)
- Lemon juice or balsamic vinegar (2 tbsp)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Prep Your Ingredients: Chop vegetables evenly so they cook uniformly. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels for crispier skin, then season generously with your chosen herbs, spices, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear until each side is golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side, to lock in the juices and develop flavor.
- Add Vegetables and Flavorings: Arrange the chopped vegetables around the chicken in the pan. Drizzle with additional olive oil and your choice of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle more herbs, spices, salt, and pepper on top for enhanced flavor.
- Roast or Simmer: Transfer the pan to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and roast for 20-25 minutes, or alternatively, reduce the stovetop heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pan from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Serve directly from the skillet, garnished with fresh herbs or your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken for more even cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure chicken crisps up and veggies roast instead of steaming.
- Adjust seasoning and spices to your preferred flavor profile; add fresh herbs as a garnish for brightness.
- Cast iron or oven-safe skillets are ideal for searing and baking in one vessel.
- Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking keeps it juicy and lets flavors meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: One-Pan Chicken, Easy Chicken Dinner, Skillet Chicken, Meal Prep Chicken, Flavorful Chicken, Quick Chicken Recipe, Healthy Chicken Dinner