Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece with minimal effort and maximum flavor. This One Pan Hot Cherry Pepper Chicken is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that brings the bold, zesty flavors of Italian cuisine right to your dinner table. With just one pan and a handful of ingredients, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup cherry peppers, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin and better seasoning absorption.
- Season chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides, making sure to coat evenly.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and is hot.
- Carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot pan, allowing them to sear and develop a golden-brown crispy skin, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Flip the chicken thighs and cook on the other side for an additional 5-6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Scatter sliced cherry peppers around and over the chicken, allowing them to warm and release their spicy flavors.
- Remove chicken from pan and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Spoon pan juices and cherry peppers over the chicken before serving to enhance flavor and moisture.
Tips
- Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning - this is the secret to achieving that irresistibly crispy skin that makes this dish extraordinary.
- Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan for the best heat distribution and perfect golden-brown sear.
- Don't rush the searing process. Allow the chicken skin to develop a beautiful golden color, which locks in flavor and creates a stunning presentation.
- Use fresh, high-quality cherry peppers for the most vibrant and intense flavor profile.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to ensure the juices redistribute, keeping the meat incredibly tender and juicy.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the pan when cooking the garlic and peppers.
- If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds from the cherry peppers before slicing to moderate the spiciness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 140mg
