Italian Chicken Skillet Recipe A One-Pan Wonder for Weeknight Dinners
Okay, picture this: I’m it’s Tuesday night, the kids are hangry, and the thought of another complicated dinner sends shivers. What is down your spine? When is this all about?Italian Chicken Skillet Recipe.How do you save a day? What is lasagna like, but without all the layers and waiting – just pure, comforting, delicious. What is Italian-inspired goodness in a single pan? What is a one-pan wonder? Is it faster than ordering takeout? Is this a staple in your house?
What Is Italian Chicken Skillet Recipe A One Pan Wonder for Weeknight Dinners?
Think of it as a deconstructed chicken cacciatore, but even easier. It’s essentially juicy chicken breasts simmered in a rich tomato sauce, loaded with vibrant veggies like bell peppers and onions, and then topped with a generous blanket of melted mozzarella cheese. The beauty of this Italian Chicken Skillet Recipe.What lies in simplicity? Everything cooks together in one skillet, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. What’s a perfect weeknight dinner without spending hours in the kitchen? What’s a cheat night?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start?Italian Chicken Skillet Recipe. has so much to offer. What I love most is how flavorful it is. The combination of garlic, herbs, and that sweet, tangy tomato sauce is just incredible. It’s a real flavor explosion in every bite! And the melted mozzarella cheese? Perfection! But it’s not just the taste; it’s also the simplicity. I can whip this up in about 30 minutes, which is a lifesaver on busy evenings. It’s also incredibly cost-effective. Chicken breasts are relatively budget-friendly, and you probably already have most of the other ingredients in your pantry.
The versatility is another reason why I’m obsessed with this recipe. You can serve it over pasta, rice, or even just enjoy it on its own with a side of crusty bread for dipping. It’s a blank canvas for your cravings! Honestly, I’ve tried similar recipes, but this one always comes out on top. Maybe it’s the perfect balance of flavors, or maybe it’s just the sheer ease of making it. Whatever it is, it’s a winner! It gives that flavor of my other favorite, chicken parmesan, without all the steps!
How do I make Italian Chicken Skillet Recipe?
Quick Overview
This Italian Chicken Skillet Recipe.Is a breeze to make? Is it safe to cook chicken breasts in a skillet until golden brown? What is the best way to cook veggies? Next, you pour in the tomato sauce, simmer everything together, and top with mozzarella cheese. When the cheese is melted, you bake it until it is bubbly. See? What’s the best thing about using the same skillet? How does this method allow the chicken to absorb all those delicious flavors from the sauce and how does it work? What are some of the best ways to make veggies extra juicy and flavorful?
Ingredients Notes:
For the Chicken: What is the best
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of the show. Can you use chicken thighs?
Olive oil: This helps to sear the chicken and adds flavor to the dish.
Italian seasoning: This is a blend of herbs that gives the chicken ‘a classic Italian flavor’.
Garlic powder: Adds a punch of garlicky goodness.
Salt and pepper: To taste, of course!
For the Sauce:
Onion: A yellow onion provides a savory base for the sauce.
I like to use a combination of red and green bell peppers for color and flavor.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for an authentic Italian flavor.
Crushed tomatoes: These form the base of the tomato sauce. You can also use diced tomatoes or tomato puree.
Tomato paste: This adds depth and richness to the sauce.
Italian Seasoning: More Italian seasoning to boost the flavor.
Sugar: A pinch of sugar helps to balance the acidity of tomatoes. You don’t need much!
Salt and pepper: To taste.
For the Topping:
Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella cheese is a must for that melty, cheesy goodness. I prefer whole milk mozzarella for the best flavor and texture.
Fresh basil: Adds a pop of fresh, herbal flavor.
What are the steps in
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, lightly grease a large oven-safe skillet (about 12 inches) with olive oil. This will prevent the chicken from sticking and make cleanup easier. Make sure your skillet is oven-safe! Some skillets have handles that can’t withstand high temperatures. I learned that the hard way once – melted handle is no fun!
Step 2: Season Chicken
In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well. How do you spread the mixture over chicken breasts? How do I make a nice crust for chicken? Don’t be shy with seasoning! You want to make sure every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 3: Sear Chicken
How do you heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat? Once the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. How long should you cook a chicken breast? Does chicken need to be cooked at this point? I just want to get a nice sear on the outside. What is the best way to cook chicken?
Step 4: Sauté Veggies
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the skillet and cook over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and serve. About 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, or until fragrant. How do you avoid burning garlic? Stir constantly and keep the heat at medium.
Step 5: Add Sauce
What is the Italian seasoning for tomatoes and tomato paste? Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened. How do I make a richer sauce? I always taste the sauce at this point and adjust the seasoning as needed. Sometimes it needs a little more salt, sometimes he needs more sugar.
Step 6: Combine & Bake
Is it possible to suck the chicken breasts back into the skillet, on top of the tomato sauce? Make sure the chicken is partially submerged in the sauce. How do you sprinkle mozzarella cheese over chicken and sauce? Is it necessary to bake the cheese in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes? How do you cook chicken? The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Garnish & Serve
Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with fresh basil. Let it cool before serving. How does basil add flavor to a dish? I like to serve this with a side of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
What should I serve it with?
What should I serve it with?
This Italian Chicken Skillet Recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides.
For a Classic Italian Meal: Serve it over a bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti or linguine. Toss the pasta with some of the tomato sauce from the skillet for extra flavor. A side of garlic bread or a simple green salad would also be a great addition.
For a Low-Carb Option: Enjoy it on its own with a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus. You could also serve it over cauliflower rice for a satisfying and healthy meal.
For a Hearty Meal: Serve it with a side of creamy polenta or mashed potatoes. The rich and creamy side dish complements the tangy tomato sauce perfectly.
For a Simple Weeknight Dinner: Serve it with a side of couscous or quinoa. These grains are quick and easy to prepare and provide a healthy dose of fiber.
In my family, we have this thing where we always serve it with garlic bread. It started when my youngest was little and just loved dipping the bread in the sauce. Now it’s a tradition! I’ve also tried serving it with a simple salad with a balsamic vinaigrette, and it’s a great way to balance out the richness of the dish. And if I’m feeling really ambitious, I’ll make a batch of homemade pasta. It’s a bit more work, but it’s so worth it!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Italian Chicken Skillet Recipe A One-Pan Wonder for Weeknight Dinners
Want to take your Italian Chicken Skillet Recipe to the next level? Here are some tips I’ve learned over the years:
Chicken Prep: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before searing. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from drying out. I use a meat mallet and gently pound them until they’re about 1/2 inch thick.
Veggie Variety: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables. Mushrooms, spinach, and olives would all be delicious additions to this dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Cheese Choice: For a richer flavor, try using a combination of mozzarella and provolone cheese. You could also add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Herb Power: Fresh herbs are always best, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can use dried herbs. Just remember to use about half the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh herbs.
Sauce Boost: For a richer sauce, add a splash of red wine while the veggies are sautéing. Let the wine reduce for a few minutes before adding the crushed tomatoes. This will add depth and complexity to the sauce.
Baking Balance: If the cheese starts to brown too quickly in the oven, cover the skillet with foil. This will prevent the cheese from burning while the chicken continues to cook.
Spice it Up: Want a little kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
One time, I accidentally added way too much salt to the sauce. It was almost ruined! But then I remembered a trick my grandmother taught me: add a peeled potato to the sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes. The potato will absorb the excess salt. It saved the day! Also, I sometimes skip the baking step altogether and just simmer the chicken in the sauce until it’s cooked through. It’s a bit quicker, and it still tastes amazing.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? No problem! This Italian Chicken Skillet Recipe stores and reheats beautifully.
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate it as soon as possible.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the chicken is fully cooled before storing it.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the leftovers. Transfer the chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: Honestly, the mozzarella doesn’t freeze the best. So, I recommend if you know you are going to freeze it, don’t put the mozzarella on at all. Then once defrosted, add the mozzarella and bake as mentioned above.
Reheating Tip: To reheat, simply place the chicken and sauce in a skillet or baking dish and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the chicken may become a bit rubbery. A good quality tupperware for the freezer is critical for preventing freezer burn. I once used a Ziploc and the chicken ended up almost inedible. So don’t skip the proper supplies!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Italian Chicken Skillet Recipe a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a lifesaver on busy weeknights. The incredible flavor, the surprising ease, and the family-friendly nature of this dish make it a winner in my book. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Vegetables or my Creamy Tomato Pasta with Sausage. They’re both equally delicious and easy to make. Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And don’t forget to rate the recipe if you enjoyed it! Share your own variations too – I’m always looking for new ideas!
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Italian Chicken Skillet Recipe A One-Pan Wonder for Weeknight Dinners
IngredientsÂ
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil for cooking
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 28 oz canned tomatoes diced and with juices
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes optional for spice
- 0.25 tsp salt to taste
- 0.5 cup fresh basil chopped
- 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the canned tomatoes along with their juices, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in the fresh basil and let it cook for another minute. Serve hot, topped with grated parmesan cheese.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
