Easy Chicken and Veggie Skillet Dinner
This easy dinner recipe for family is a one-pot comfort-food miracle that comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect as a quick meal or cozy weeknight dinner that everyone will devour.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil extra-virgin for flavor or light olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced (yellow or sweet)
- 3 cloves garlic minced (use fresh for best aroma)
- 1 red bell pepper sliced into strips
- 1 cup broccoli florets sub cauliflower or green beans
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth or water with a bouillon cube
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- 1 cup cooked quick-cooking brown rice or quinoa optional, for serving
Instructions
- Warm 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat in a large, heavy skillet—cast iron works wonders here.
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and oregano. Add to skillet in a single layer. Cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Lower heat slightly, add remaining olive oil, then onion and garlic. Stir until fragrant—about 1–2 minutes. Keep an eye on the garlic so it doesn’t burn.
- Toss in bell pepper and broccoli. Stir for 2–3 minutes until veggies start to soften. If you hear a gentle sizzle, you’re on track.
- Pour in chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits (that’s flavor gold!). Return chicken to skillet, nestling pieces among the veggies.
- Cover and cook another 5–7 minutes until chicken is cooked through (165°F internal) and veggies are tender-crisp.
- Uncover, stir in halved cherry tomatoes. Cook 1–2 minutes to heat through—tomatoes should hold shape but turn jammy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and spoon over cooked rice or quinoa if desired.
Notes
I learned that letting the chicken brown undisturbed creates a richer flavor—resist the urge to stir too soon.
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