This one-pot chicken and vegetables recipe is a delightful comfort food that’s perfect for family dinners. It’s a wholesome, flavorful meal that combines tender chicken with hearty vegetables, all cooked together to create a rich and savory dish. Follow along to make this delicious recipe that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs, skin-on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Start by prepping your vegetables. Peel and chop the potatoes into chunks, slice the carrots, and finely chop the onion. Mince the garlic cloves. Having everything ready before you start cooking ensures a smooth process.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step helps to lock in the flavors and render the fat from the skin, making the chicken deliciously crispy. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. The aroma of the onions and garlic will fill your kitchen, setting the stage for the delicious meal to come.
- Add the Vegetables:
- Add the chopped potatoes and sliced carrots to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir to combine and let them cook for about 5 minutes. This allows the vegetables to start softening and absorb the flavors from the skillet.
- Deglaze and Season:
- Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits are full of flavor and will enhance the overall taste of the dish. Add the dried thyme, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Return the Chicken:
- Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet on top of the vegetables. The chicken should be partially submerged in the broth. This method allows the chicken to finish cooking while infusing the vegetables with its rich flavors.
- Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes. The goal is to cook the chicken until it is tender and the vegetables are soft. Occasionally stir the contents to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Finish and Garnish:
- Once everything is cooked through, remove the bay leaves. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. The parsley adds a fresh, vibrant touch to the dish, balancing out the rich flavors.
Tips for Perfect One-Pot Chicken and Vegetables:
- Choose the Right Pot:
- A heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven works best for this recipe. It ensures even heat distribution and retains heat well, making it perfect for slow-cooked dishes.
- Customize Your Vegetables:
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Other great additions include celery, bell peppers, or parsnips. The key is to cut them into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Enhance the Flavor:
- For an extra depth of flavor, you can add a splash of white wine when deglazing the skillet. This adds a subtle acidity that complements the richness of the chicken and vegetables.
- Serve with a Side:
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or crusty bread. The bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
- Leftover Tips:
- This dish makes great leftovers. Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
This one-pot chicken and vegetables recipe is a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and a savory broth, it’s a dish that will please everyone at the table. The simplicity of cooking everything in one pot not only makes for easy cleanup but also ensures that all the flavors meld together beautifully. Enjoy this comforting dish with your family and friends, and savor the delicious results. Bon appétit!
