Juicy Saucy Dinner That Cooks Itself

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Looking for a dinner that practically makes itself while still delivering big on comfort and flavor? This Juicy Saucy Dinner That Cooks Itself is your weeknight savior. It brings together succulent chicken thighs, hearty vegetables, and a rich tomato-based sauce that simmers to perfection. The best part? It all happens in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze.

Whether you’re feeding a family or craving leftovers that taste even better the next day, this meal is a no-fuss, flavor-packed solution. As it cooks, the kitchen fills with savory aromas that promise something truly satisfying. No constant stirring or last-minute stress—just layer, cover, and let it do its magic.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal for this dish. They stay juicy through slow cooking and contribute loads of flavor to the sauce. If you prefer, boneless thighs or even drumsticks can work—just watch the cook time to prevent overdoing it.

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Ingredients for the Juicy Saucy Dinner That Cooks Itself

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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How To Make the Juicy Saucy Dinner That Cooks Itself

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs skin-side down until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Reduce heat to medium. Add sliced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Sauce Ingredients

Pour in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, oregano, and sugar. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors marry.

Step 4: Assemble and Simmer

Return chicken to the pot, skin-side up. Nestle in carrots and bell pepper around the chicken. Cover with a tight-fitting lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until chicken is tender and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

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How to Serve and Store This Juicy Saucy Dinner

This dish is best served hot with something that soaks up the rich sauce—think buttery mashed potatoes, warm rice, or even soft polenta. For added comfort, offer a side of crusty bread to mop up every drop.

Leftovers store beautifully. Let it cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless chicken for this dish?

Yes, boneless thighs or breasts can be used, but reduce the simmering time to about 25-30 minutes.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. Let it cool completely and freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Can I make it spicier?

Sure! Just increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a chopped chili pepper.

What vegetables can I swap in?

Zucchini, mushrooms, or green beans all work well. Add quicker-cooking veggies in the last 15 minutes of simmering.

Can I use a slow cooker?

Yes. Sear the chicken and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3.

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Want More One-Pot Dinner Ideas?

If you love a set-it-and-forget-it dinner like this, check out these other cozy, flavor-packed favorites:

• Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti for cheesy pasta perfection.
• One Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles when you want buttery bliss.
• Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole for a tangy twist on comfort food.
• Taco Spaghetti Casserole for Tex-Mex lovers.
• The Ultimate Taco Casserole when you’re feeding a crowd.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it next time you need an easy one-pot wonder.

And when you give it a try, tell me how it went in the comments! Did you go with spicy or mild? Serve it with rice or crusty bread?

I love seeing how you all make these meals your own. You can also find more daily kitchen inspiration over on my Pinterest: Nina Dishes

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