Imagine a dish that transports you straight to the rolling hills of Tuscany, where rustic flavors dance together in a single, mouthwatering pot. This Rustic Italian Chicken Shitake Mushroom Pot is not just a meal; it's an experience that combines tender, crispy-skinned chicken, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant cherry tomatoes in a symphony of Italian-inspired comfort. Get ready to transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure that will have your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs
- 1 cup shitake mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by patting chicken thighs dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot.
- Carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy, then flip and cook other side for 4-5 minutes.
- Remove chicken from pan and set aside, leaving rendered fat and crispy bits in the skillet.
- In same skillet, sauté diced onions until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and sliced shitake mushrooms, cooking for additional 2-3 minutes until mushrooms begin to release their moisture.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping bottom of pan to release all flavorful browned bits.
- Return chicken thighs to skillet, nestling them into the liquid and mushroom mixture.
- Add cherry tomatoes around chicken pieces.
- Cover and reduce heat to low, simmering for 25-30 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and reaches internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh torn basil leaves, and serve hot directly from the skillet.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfectly crispy skin.
- Use a cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven for the best heat distribution and flavor development.
- Don't rush the searing process - golden brown chicken skin means maximum flavor!
- Fresh basil is key - add it just before serving to preserve its bright, aromatic qualities.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider deglazing the pan with a splash of white wine before adding chicken broth.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve with crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious pan juices.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 135mg
