Imagine a dinner that transports you straight to the rustic kitchens of Italy, packed with incredible flavors, and ready in just 40 minutes! This Easy Italian Chicken Skillet Dinner is your ticket to a restaurant-quality meal without the complicated techniques or hours of preparation. With juicy chicken thighs simmered in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce, this one-pan wonder will have your family begging for seconds and wondering how you became such a culinary genius.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by trimming chicken thighs of excess fat and patting them dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat a large cast-iron or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and allow it to become hot and shimmering.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken thighs into the hot skillet, skin-side down (if using skin-on thighs). Cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy, then flip and cook the other side for an additional 4-5 minutes.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a clean plate. In the same skillet, add chopped onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and slightly softened.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juice, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. Stir to combine onions, garlic, and tomatoes.
- Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover the skillet.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped basil leaves before serving.
- Serve hot, spooning extra tomato sauce over the chicken. Pairs well with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in maximum flavor.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron for even heat distribution and better caramelization of the chicken and vegetables.
- Don't rush the browning process - letting the chicken develop a nice golden crust adds depth to the overall dish's flavor profile.
- Check the chicken's internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Fresh basil is key - add it just before serving to maintain its bright, aromatic flavor and beautiful green color.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of red wine to the tomato sauce or sprinkling some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
- This recipe is incredibly versatile - feel free to swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts or add additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 125mg
