One Pan Chicken Dinner Recipe

Chicken thighs: These are the main protein source, known for their rich flavor and tenderness.

Olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken and adding a subtle, fruity flavor.

Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dish.

Cherry tomatoes: Provide a burst of sweetness and acidity.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.

Paprika: Gives a smoky and slightly sweet flavor.

Baby spinach: Adds a fresh, leafy green element to the dish.

To achieve perfectly crispy chicken thighs, make sure the skillet is properly preheated before adding the olive oil. This ensures that the chicken skin will sear immediately, locking in the juices and creating a golden-brown crust. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the skillet to allow even cooking and proper browning.

• chicken thighs - Substitute with chicken breasts: Chicken breasts are leaner and cook faster, making them a good alternative for a healthier option.

• chicken thighs - Substitute with pork chops: Pork chops have a similar texture and flavor profile, providing a different but equally delicious protein source.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in cooking.

• olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a subtle sweetness and is great for high-heat cooking, though it will impart a slight coconut flavor.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, though it has a more concentrated flavor. Use ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic.

• minced garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor compared to garlic and can be used to add a different depth of flavor.

• halved cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes are similar in size and sweetness, making them an excellent substitute for cherry tomatoes.

• halved cherry tomatoes - Substitute with diced Roma tomatoes: Roma tomatoes are meatier and less juicy, providing a different texture but similar flavor.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor along with umami, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in place of regular salt, offering a slightly different mineral content and flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used to maintain the peppery taste without altering the color of the dish.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds heat and a different flavor profile, making the dish spicier.

• paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor along with the mild heat of regular paprika.

• paprika - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder provides a bit more heat and a different flavor profile, adding complexity to the dish.

• baby spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale has a more robust texture and slightly bitter flavor, offering a different but nutritious green.

• baby spinach - Substitute with Swiss chard: Swiss chard has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a good alternative to spinach.

• Allow the chicken thighs to cool completely before storing. This helps to prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess and spoilage.
• Transfer the cooled chicken and vegetables to an airtight container. If possible, use a container that fits the contents snugly to minimize air exposure.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 3-4 days. This ensures the chicken remains fresh and safe to eat.
• For longer storage, place the airtight container in the freezer. The one pan chicken dinner can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of flavor or texture.
• When ready to eat, thaw the frozen chicken dinner in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the quality of the meat and vegetables.
• Reheat the dish in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but be sure to cover the container to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
• If reheating in the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken and vegetables in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• For added freshness, consider adding a handful of fresh baby spinach or a few halved cherry tomatoes during reheating to brighten up the dish.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover chicken thighs and vegetables in an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

• Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or chicken broth to prevent sticking. Place the chicken thighs and vegetables in the skillet, cover, and heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

• Microwave Method: Place the chicken and vegetables in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chicken is hot.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken thighs and vegetables in the air fryer basket. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is crispy and heated through.

• Sous Vide Method: If you have a sous vide machine, set it to 165°F (74°C). Place the chicken and vegetables in a vacuum-sealed bag or a resealable bag with the air removed. Submerge in the water bath for about 30 minutes or until heated through.

• Skillet: A large, flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. Essential for cooking the chicken thighs and other ingredients in this recipe.

• Tongs: Useful for flipping the chicken thighs without piercing the meat, ensuring they cook evenly on both sides.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring the olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika.

• Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for halving the cherry tomatoes and preparing other ingredients.

• Chef's knife: Essential for cutting and preparing ingredients like the cherry tomatoes and garlic.

• Lid: Used to cover the skillet, helping to cook the chicken through by trapping heat and moisture.

• Spatula: Useful for stirring in the baby spinach and ensuring it cooks evenly.

• Serving platter: Ideal for presenting the finished dish once it's ready to be served.

Preheat the skillet: Start preheating your skillet while you gather and prep your ingredients to save time.

Use pre-minced garlic: Opt for pre-minced garlic to cut down on prep time.

Halve cherry tomatoes in bulk: Place cherry tomatoes between two lids and slice through them all at once.

Season in a bowl: Mix salt, pepper, and paprika in a bowl and then season the chicken thighs to ensure even coating quickly.

Cover and cook: Covering the skillet helps the chicken cook faster and more evenly.