Imagine a dinner where every bite is packed with rich, bold flavors—a one-pan wonder that’s as beautiful to serve as it is easy to prepare. This Italian-Inspired Skillet Chicken Dinner Recipe delivers just that! Tender chicken thighs, crispy bacon, hearty vegetables, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a sweet-savory sauce come together in one dish that will wow your family and guests. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal or hosting a special gathering, this skillet dinner is bound to impress. Let’s dive into the details so you can bring this flavorful dish to life.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this Italian-inspired dish. All components are listed clearly for easy reference.
| For the Chicken | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken thighs | 6 |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Beer | 1 cup (240 ml / 8 oz) |
| Smoked bacon, chopped | 200 g |
| Egg | 1 |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | 3 tablespoons |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| For the Vegetables | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes, peeled and chopped | 4-5 |
| Carrots, peeled and chopped | 3 |
| For the Sauce | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Honey | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Soy sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| For the Spaghetti | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Water | As needed |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Spaghetti | 250 g |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Italian-inspired recipe is a complete meal in one skillet, making it simple to prepare and even easier to clean up. The tender chicken thighs are packed with flavor, the vegetables are hearty and filling, and the spaghetti absorbs the rich sauce for a satisfying finish. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser you’ll return to again and again.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Chicken
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and sear for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. Cooking the Bacon
- Fry the Bacon: In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, stirring occasionally. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
3. Preparing the Vegetables
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the chopped potatoes and carrots to the skillet. Sauté them in the bacon fat for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until they begin to soften.
4. Adding the Chicken and Beer
- Combine Ingredients: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them among the vegetables.
- Pour in the Beer: Slowly pour the beer over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring even distribution. The beer will add a deep, rich flavor to the dish.
5. Mixing the Parmesan-Egg Mixture
- Prepare the Mixture: In a small bowl, beat the egg with 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of water. Mix until smooth.
- Add to the Skillet: Drizzle this mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet.
6. Making the Sauce
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil.
- Pour Over the Dish: Evenly pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, coating everything thoroughly.
7. Simmering the Dish
- Cover and Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C), and the vegetables should be tender.
8. Cooking the Spaghetti
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Cook Until Al Dente: Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
9. Assembling the Dish
- Plate the Spaghetti: Spread the cooked spaghetti on a large serving platter.
- Top with Chicken and Vegetables: Arrange the chicken thighs and vegetables over the spaghetti.
- Drizzle with Sauce: Spoon some of the rich pan sauce over the dish for added flavor.
- Garnish with Bacon: Sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces over the top for a final touch.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use Bone-In Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs yield the juiciest results.
- Substitute Beer if Necessary: If you don’t have beer, chicken broth or white wine are excellent alternatives.
- Sauté for Extra Flavor: Cooking the vegetables in bacon fat enhances their flavor and creates a perfect base for the dish.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste the sauce before adding it to the skillet. Adjust the sweetness, saltiness, or tanginess to your liking.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~600 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | 900mg |
FAQs About Italian-Inspired Skillet Chicken Dinner
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness. If using breasts, reduce cooking time to avoid drying them out. - What can I substitute for beer?
Chicken broth or white wine are excellent substitutes. These options will still create a flavorful base for the dish. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and vegetables in advance, then reheat and serve with freshly cooked spaghetti. - What other vegetables can I use?
You can substitute potatoes and carrots with zucchini, sweet potatoes, or parsnips for a twist. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. - Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free soy sauce alternative like tamari. Be sure to use gluten-free beer or substitute it with broth.
Conclusion: Your Perfect One-Pan Dinner Awaits
Now that you’ve mastered this Italian-Inspired Skillet Chicken Dinner Recipe, it’s time to bring the magic to your table. This dish combines hearty ingredients, bold Italian flavors, and simple preparation for a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Ready to cook up some magic? Let’s get started!
Buon Appetito!
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Italian-Inspired Skillet Chicken Dinner Recipe: A Comforting One-Pan Meal
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Tender chicken thighs seared to golden perfection, crispy bacon, hearty vegetables, perfectly al dente spaghetti, and a sweet-savory sauce come together in this one-pan Italian-inspired dinner. Packed with rich, comforting flavors, this recipe is perfect for weeknight meals or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 6 chicken thighs
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup beer (240 ml / 8 fl oz)
- 200 g smoked bacon, chopped
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup water
For the Vegetables:
- 4–5 potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Spaghetti:
- Water, as needed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 250 g spaghetti
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Season chicken thighs with salt and black pepper.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken thighs, skin side down, for 5-7 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon:
- In the same skillet, add chopped bacon and cook until crispy.
- Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
- Add chopped potatoes and carrots to the skillet.
- Cook in the bacon fat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Combine Ingredients:
- Nestle the seared chicken thighs among the vegetables.
- Pour the beer over the chicken and vegetables.
5. Prepare the Parmesan Mixture:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup of water.
- Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
6. Make the Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
7. Simmer:
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
8. Cook the Spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add olive oil and salt.
- Cook spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
9. Assemble and Serve:
- Plate the spaghetti on a serving platter.
- Top with chicken, vegetables, and pan sauce.
- Garnish with crispy bacon pieces and serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute chicken broth or white wine for beer if needed.
- For gluten-free, use gluten-free spaghetti and tamari in place of soy sauce.
- Sauté the potatoes and carrots longer if you prefer them softer.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
