Simplifying Dinner with One-Pan Herbed Chicken and Greens
Enjoy the ease and flavor of a one-pan meal with this herbed chicken and greens recipe. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual dinner, this dish combines seared chicken thighs with a medley of herbs and robust greens, all roasted to perfection. Before serving, a zesty sauce made from pan drippings, butter, lemon zest, and optional olives or capers is drizzled over the dish, enhancing it with a creamy texture and a bright, savory flavor.
Nutritional and Versatile Ingredients for a Wholesome Meal
This hearty recipe not only fills the kitchen with enticing aromas but also packs a nutritional punch. Ingredients like kale, collard greens, or mustard greens provide essential vitamins and fiber, while the chicken thighs offer a high-quality protein source. The addition of a homemade herb and garlic rub infuses the chicken with deep flavors, marrying well with the lemony, buttery sauce that finishes the dish.
Ingredients for Herbed Chicken and Greens
- Chicken Thighs: 1.5 to 1.75 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Garlic Cloves: 6 (5 smashed and peeled, 1 finely grated or minced)
- Seasonings for Chicken: Kosher salt, ground coriander, red-pepper flakes
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, plus additional as needed
- Scallions: 1 bunch, thinly sliced, white and green parts separated
- Leafy Greens: Approximately 12 ounces of kale, collard greens, mustard greens, or other robust greens
- Chicken Stock or Water: 1 cup
- Fresh Herbs: 1 cup chopped (choices include cilantro, dill, mint, basil, or a blend)
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Lemon: 1, zested and halved
- Optional: 1 to 3 tablespoons chopped olives or capers
Easy Preparation Steps for a Delicious Outcome
Begin by seasoning the chicken with a homemade mix of garlic, salt, coriander, and red-pepper flakes, then sear it to golden perfection. Simultaneously, sauté garlic and scallions, then simmer them with greens and herbs, creating a flavorful bed for the chicken. After roasting, enhance the dish with a dynamic sauce of pan juices enriched with fresh herbs and a tangy touch from lemon and capers. Serve this satisfying skillet dinner over rice, with crusty bread, or alongside your favorite roasted vegetables for a complete meal that’s sure to delight.
Each step in this recipe is designed to maximize flavor while minimizing kitchen time, making it ideal for anyone looking to impress with minimal fuss. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and vibrant greens not only satisfies the palate but also offers a visually appealing and balanced dinner option.