Description
This Juicy Saucy Dinner That Cooks Itself is a one-pot comfort food dream. Tender chicken thighs simmer in a rich, savory tomato sauce with vegetables, creating an effortless dinner that practically cooks itself. Perfect for busy weeknights and equally delicious as leftovers.
Ingredients
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
15 oz can crushed tomatoes
0.5 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
0.5 teaspoon sugar
2 carrots, sliced
1 bell pepper, chopped
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
Let the sauce simmer gently for the best depth of flavor.
Use bone-in chicken for maximum juiciness and flavor.
Add extra broth if you prefer a thinner sauce for spooning over rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: one-pot dinner, juicy chicken, saucy chicken thighs