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Skillet Italian Chicken Recipe: Quick, Savory Weeknight Dinner

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Skillet Italian Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner that’s packed with flavor, try making a skillet Italian chicken recipe. This dish brings together juicy chicken, savory garlic, tomatoes, and a touch of Italian seasoning for an unforgettable meal.

You’ll love how everything comes together in one pan, making clean-up a breeze. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite veggies or serve it over pasta for a hearty and satisfying dinner.

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

When making a delicious skillet Italian chicken, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Below is a list of the essentials and some possible substitutes to help you out.

Chicken

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
    • Substitute: Turkey breast or pork tenderloin (cut into similar-sized pieces)

Seasoning and Spices

  • Italian seasoning mix (usually a blend of basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme)
    • Substitute: Individual dried herbs if you don’t have a mix
  • Salt and pepper
    • Substitute: Seasoned salt or garlic salt for added flavor

Oils and Liquids

  • Olive oil
    • Substitute: Vegetable oil or avocado oil

Fresh Ingredients

  • Lemon juice

    • Substitute: Lime juice or vinegar for a tangy touch
  • Garlic cloves, minced

    • Substitute: Garlic powder or garlic paste
  • Plum tomatoes, sliced

    • Substitute: Cherry tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes

Add-Ons (Optional)

  • Mushrooms

    • Substitute: Bell peppers or zucchini slices
  • Onion

    • Substitute: Shallots or green onions

Extras

  • Aluminum foil (for keeping cooked chicken warm)
    • Substitute: A lid or another plate if foil is not available

Feel free to mix and match according to what you have on hand. Enjoy your cooking!

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken:

    • Pat the chicken breasts dry.
    • Season with 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Cooking the Chicken:

    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. Cook Vegetables:

    • In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed.
    • Add chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until the onions are translucent.
  4. Add Ingredients:

    • Stir in diced tomatoes with their juice.
    • Add mushrooms, ½ tablespoon oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper.
    • If desired, pour in a splash of white wine.
  5. Combine and Simmer:

    • Return the chicken to the skillet.
    • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
    • Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Final Touches:

    • Check if the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
    • Adjust seasoning if needed.
    • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Italian skillet chicken!

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

You can switch things up by adding your favorite veggies to the skillet. Mushrooms and bell peppers work really well with Italian chicken. Chopped spinach or zucchini are also great choices.

For a bolder flavor, add a splash of white wine or balsamic vinegar while cooking the chicken and vegetables. This adds depth to your dish.

If you prefer a creamy sauce, stir in some heavy cream or cream cheese once the chicken is cooked. This makes a rich and indulgent sauce perfect for pairing with pasta.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve the Italian chicken over a bed of pasta or rice.
  • Pair it with a side of garlic bread or crusty baguette to soak up the sauce.
  • A fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette makes a light and refreshing side.
  • Sprinkle grated Parmesan or fresh basil on top before serving for added flavor.

Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own! Enjoy!