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

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
2. 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

1. 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

1. 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

1. Combine Ingredients: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them among the vegetables.
2. 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

1. 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.
2. Add to the Skillet: Drizzle this mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet.

6. Making the Sauce

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil.
2. Pour Over the Dish: Evenly pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, coating everything thoroughly.

7. Simmering the Dish

1. 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

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of salt.
2. 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

1. Plate the Spaghetti: Spread the cooked spaghetti on a large serving platter.
2. Top with Chicken and Vegetables: Arrange the chicken thighs and vegetables over the spaghetti.
3. Drizzle with Sauce: Spoon some of the rich pan sauce over the dish for added flavor.
4. 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.