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One-Pan Chicken Skillet

Tired? This filling, golden-brown chicken skillet takes minimal effort and uses pantry staples.

One-Pan Chicken Skillet
Total
30 min
Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
easy
Calories
361
Cost
$/serving

When you've had a long day and the thought of scrubbing multiple pots feels exhausting, this one-pan chicken skillet is your best friend. It delivers deep, savory flavors by searing the chicken and aromatics together, creating a rich base that coats every bite. You can expect a satisfying, rustic texture that feels like a home-cooked hug without the heavy lifting. The secret is in the high-heat sear, which locks in juices while developing a beautiful golden crust on the meat. It’s incredibly forgiving for beginners and keeps your kitchen clean by doing everything in one skillet. Serve it as is or over some quick couscous to soak up every last drop of that delicious pan sauce.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb chicken thighs — boneless and skinless
  • 3 unit garlic cloves — minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano — or dried thyme
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth — low sodium preferred
  • 1 tsp salt — to taste

Method

  1. 1 Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and oregano.
  2. 2 Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of oil.
  3. 3 Add the chicken to the skillet and sear for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown.
  4. 4 Toss in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. 5 Pour in the chicken broth and reduce heat to medium.
  6. 6 Simmer covered for 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
  7. 7 Remove lid and simmer uncovered for 2 more minutes to thicken the sauce slightly before serving.

Variations

  • Vegetarian Swap — Replace chicken thighs with thick-cut cauliflower steaks and use vegetable broth.
  • Speedy Version — Use pre-minced garlic from a jar to save 2 minutes of prep time.

Notes

If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a splash of water during the final simmering step.

Equipment that helps

  • Large Skillet — Allows you to sear the meat and simmer the sauce in one vessel for easy cleanup.

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