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Quick Flavorful Skillet Tomato Chicken Dinner

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A simple, satisfying one-skillet chicken dinner with juicy chicken thighs simmered in a tangy, herb-infused tomato sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight meals with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs or 700g)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium yellow or white onion, finely diced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz or 400g) canned diced tomatoes, preferably San Marzano
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • A handful fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Once shimmering (about 1-2 minutes), add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Cook without moving them for 6-7 minutes until skin is golden and crisp.
  3. Flip chicken and cook the other side for 4-5 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
  4. Lower heat to medium. Add finely diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
  5. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  6. Stir in 1 tablespoon tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor.
  7. Pour in canned diced tomatoes and ½ cup chicken broth. Stir to combine.
  8. Add dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring sauce to a gentle simmer.
  9. Nestle the chicken thighs back into the sauce, skin-side up. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to low.
  10. Simmer for 20 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and sauce thickens slightly.
  11. Remove lid and cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes if the sauce needs thickening.
  12. Stir in 1 teaspoon lemon juice for brightness (optional).
  13. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry to ensure crispy skin. Do not crowd the pan when searing chicken; brown in batches if needed. Use moderate heat to avoid burning garlic or tomato paste. Simmer gently to keep chicken tender and sauce flavorful. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. If sauce is too watery, increase heat at the end and stir gently until thickened. Optional lemon juice brightens the sauce. Variations include adding jalapeño for heat, cheese topping, or extra vegetables.

Nutrition

Keywords: skillet chicken, tomato chicken, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, weeknight meal, one-pan dinner, chicken thighs, tomato sauce

Find it online: https://bouncybowl.com/quick-flavorful-skillet-tomato-chicken-dinner-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-weeknights/