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Italian-Inspired Skillet Chicken Dinner Recipe: A Comforting One-Pan Meal


  • Author: Annabel
  • 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:

  • 45 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