A video of Aretha Franklin circulated on social media not long ago where she was asked about her greatest challenges. Her instant response was that deciding what to cook for dinner every night was her biggest challenge. Surprisingly, I found myself relating to the Queen of Soul more than I expected!
As someone who creates recipes for a living, I am constantly tasked with coming up with new dishes. However, when it comes to deciding what to cook for dinner regularly for my husband and myself, it can feel like solving a complex problem. Cooking dinner shouldn’t be so difficult, so I often opt for simplicity. A delicious meal doesn’t require much—just a few key ingredients and a couple of shortcuts.
This simple 4-ingredient chicken dinner is a perfect example of a quick and tasty meal. The recipe utilizes pre-chopped mirepoix, which I highly recommend for the convenience and time-saving benefits it offers. Mirepoix, a blend of onions, carrots, and celery, acts as the flavorful base for many dishes. Juicy tomatoes and olives bring additional richness without the need for any prep work. In fact, you can make this easy dinner without even needing a knife!
I suggest serving this chicken dish with a side that can soak up the delicious pan juices. I paired it with mashed potatoes recently, but it would also go well with buttered egg noodles or rice pilaf. A side salad and some crusty bread are great accompaniments to round out the meal.
Here are some tips to make this easy dinner even simpler:
– DIY Mirepoix: If you prefer to chop the mirepoix yourself, aim for a uniform dice of two parts onion to one part carrot and one part celery.
– Hot Pan: Ensure the pan is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a nice sear.
– Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the chicken in batches to prevent steaming and ensure proper browning.
– Hands Off: Let the chicken cook without moving it around, allowing it to develop a nice crust.
To make Tuscan-style chicken thighs for 4 to 5 servings, you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken thighs, salt, pepper, olive oil, mirepoix, rosemary, olives, olive brine, and cherry tomatoes. Follow these steps to prepare a delicious meal:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
2. Brown the chicken in a Dutch oven or oven-proof pot, then set aside.
3. Sauté the mirepoix until tender and add rosemary if desired.
4. Add olives, olive brine, and cherry tomatoes to the pot.
5. Return the chicken to the pot and bake until cooked through.
Enjoy this flavorful and easy-to-make Tuscan-style chicken dish for a satisfying dinner!
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, skin side down, and cook until golden brown, about 6 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the shallots to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the olive brine, scraping up any browned bits, and cook until the liquid has evaporated, about 1 minute. Stir in the cherry tomatoes and olives, then season with salt and pepper.
Remove the pot from the heat and place the chicken back in the pot, seared side up, along with any accumulated juices. Cover the pot and transfer it to the oven. Bake until the chicken is cooked through and registers 170°F to 175°F on an instant-read thermometer, about 15 minutes.
To serve, top the chicken with the tomato and olive mixture, along with some of the pan juices. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For substitutions, any type of olive can be used, as long as it is pitted or the pit is removed before adding. Instead of olive brine, water or chicken broth can be used. Rosemary can be omitted or replaced with herbs like sage, thyme, or fresh oregano for added flavor depth. More delicate herbs like parsley, basil, or dill can be added just before serving.
By following these simple steps and substitutions, you can create a delicious and flavorful chicken dish that can be enjoyed by you and your family.
