Whew. We've enjoyed another Thanksgiving. If you've recovered from your food coma, tackled all those dishes, and packed away any leftovers, you might be looking for something a little quieter today. Maybe a one-pan chicken dish that does most of its cooking in the oven is just what you're looking for:
This particular dish is brimming with southwestern flavor because it's one of my comfort food flavor ranges and it usually doesn't make a showing at Thanksgiving. So instead of digging into leftovers (there will be lots of time for turkey salad), try something that's geared toward fewer dishes, less fanfare, and a delicious bowl of comfort? You could serve it with rice or tortillas or even tortilla chips or just have it on its own. After a massive food holiday, feel free to just enjoy the quiet that can come with a simple meal prepared beautifully and savored with the knowledge that you won't be spending the rest of your day rushing to clean up a giant mess in the kitchen. Enjoy your weekend!
One-Pan Southwestern Chicken & Vegetables
- 1 T. garlic powder
- 1 T. smoked paprika
- 1 T. cumin powder
- 1¾ tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- 3 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin on
- 2 T. olive oil
- 1 small onion, peeled and diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2-3 medium tomatoes, coarsely chopped
- 2-3 tomatillos, peeled and sliced into wedges
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 cup chicken broth
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Combine the first 6 ingredients (garlic powder through black pepper) in a small bowl. Place 2 tablespoons of the spice mix in a small bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix to combine. Use your hands to slather the mixture all over each piece of chicken.
Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a deep skillet over medium high heat. Place the pieces of chicken in the skillet, skin side down. Cook for 2 minutes or until well browned, then turn and cook the other side for 1½ minutes until browned. Remove to a plate and keep warm.
In the same skillet, still over medium high heat, add the onion, garlic and bell pepper. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion and pepper starts to brown. Turn the stove down to medium, then add tomatoes, tomatillos, and corn. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Add the chicken stock and the remaining spice mix. Stir to combine.
Place the chicken back in the skillet on top of the vegetables, skin side up. It should be partially submerged in the liquid. Bring to a simmer, then turn off the stove. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and place into the preheated oven.
Bake for 25 minutes, then remove from the oven and take off the lid/foil. Return the skillet to the oven, uncovered, for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the chicken skin to crisp up. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes (uncovered) before serving.
- Yields: 3 servings
- Preparation Time: 1 hour