Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine with this mouthwatering Pesto Chicken Tomato and Corn Skillet that promises maximum flavor with minimum effort! Imagine crispy, golden chicken thighs nestled in a vibrant medley of blistered cherry tomatoes and charred corn, all luxuriously coated in rich, herbaceous pesto. This single-skillet sensation not only delivers incredible taste but also cuts down on your cleanup time, making it the perfect solution for busy home cooks who refuse to compromise on deliciousness.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove chicken thighs from refrigerator and pat dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until oil shimmers and is hot.
- Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes without moving, allowing skin to become golden brown and crispy.
- Flip chicken thighs and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes on the other side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate, keeping warm. Leave the rendered chicken fat in the pan.
- Add corn kernels and cherry tomatoes to the same skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes start to blister and corn becomes lightly charred.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in pesto, coating the vegetables evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to warm the pesto.
- Return chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the vegetable and pesto mixture.
- Spoon some additional pesto over the chicken if desired. Cook for another 2 minutes to reheat chicken and marry flavors.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if available.
Tips
- Pat your chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure the crispiest skin possible.
- Use a cast-iron skillet if you have one - it provides the most even heat and best browning.
- Don't move the chicken while it's initially cooking to achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Always use a meat thermometer to check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to help retain its juices and ensure maximum tenderness.
- For an extra flavor boost, try using homemade pesto or a high-quality store-bought version.
- Fresh herbs like basil can elevate the dish's presentation and add a bright, final touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 80mg
