1. Prepare and Cook the Chicken
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil and season with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Sear Chicken: Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil. Sear the chicken thighs or breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add the diced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add Remaining Vegetables: Add the bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and baby carrots. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften but are still crisp.
3. Prepare the Sauce
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice), soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce), honey (if using), dried basil (or Italian seasoning), and minced garlic.
- Add Sauce to Skillet: Pour the sauce over the vegetables in the skillet and stir to combine.
4. Return Chicken to Skillet
- Combine: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, placing it on top of the vegetables. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and the vegetables are tender. If the sauce thickens too much, add a bit more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
5. Serve
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Spoon vegetables and sauce over the chicken and serve warm.
Tips for Success
- Chicken Cut: Chicken thighs are more forgiving and less likely to dry out compared to chicken breasts, but both work well in this recipe.
- Vegetable Size: Cut vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Check Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed before serving. You can add a bit more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preference.
Variations
- Vegetable Mix: Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand, such as mushrooms, green beans, or squash.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill for different flavor profiles.
Conclusion
The One Pot Chicken and Vegetables Skillet is a versatile, flavorful meal that simplifies cooking and cleanup. With its combination of tender chicken and vibrant vegetables in a delicious sauce, it’s a satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the ease of a one-pot meal with all the taste of a hearty, well-balanced dinner!