Looking for a hearty and delicious meal that feels like a culinary trip to Italy? This Italian-Style One-Pan Chicken Feast combines juicy chicken thighs with savory smoked bacon, tender potatoes, and carrots, all brought together with a honey garlic sauce that’s sure to become a family favorite. This simple, one-pan dish offers the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it ideal for a satisfying weeknight meal or a casual dinner party. The best part? With the chicken, vegetables, and even a side of spaghetti all cooked in one skillet, cleanup is a breeze!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 6 chicken thighs
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup (240 ml) beer
- 200g smoked bacon, chopped
- 1 egg, beaten
- 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup water
For the Spaghetti:
- Water (for boiling)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 250g spaghetti
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Vegetables:
- 4-5 potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper on both sides. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until the butter is melted and sizzling.
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and sear for 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon and Deglaze the Pan:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped smoked bacon and cook until it turns crispy and brown, about 5 minutes. Once the bacon is cooked, pour in the beer and stir, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. This step adds incredible flavor to the dish!
- Allow the beer to simmer for a couple of minutes, letting the alcohol evaporate while the flavors concentrate.
- Add the Vegetables:
- To the skillet with the bacon and beer, add the chopped potatoes and carrots. Stir to coat them in the bacon and beer mixture, ensuring they start to absorb all the rich flavors. Add a little water if needed to help the vegetables soften.
- Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, arranging them on top of the vegetables. Cover the skillet and let everything cook together over medium heat for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Prepare the Spaghetti:
- While the chicken and vegetables are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- Drain the spaghetti and toss it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to keep it from sticking together.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, allowing the sauce to coat everything and become slightly caramelized.
- Add Parmesan and Egg:
- In a separate small bowl, beat the egg and mix it with grated Parmesan cheese. Drizzle this mixture over the chicken and vegetables right before serving, allowing the heat to slightly cook the egg and melt the cheese into the sauce for an extra layer of richness.
- Serve the Feast:
- Once the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the chicken thighs and vegetables over the prepared spaghetti, making sure to spoon over plenty of the honey garlic sauce. Garnish with extra Parmesan if desired.
Conclusion:
This Italian-Style One-Pan Chicken Feast is the ultimate comfort meal, offering a mouth-watering combination of flavors and textures. From the crispy-skinned chicken thighs to the tender vegetables and spaghetti coated in a rich honey garlic sauce, every bite is a celebration of classic Italian-inspired flavors. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress—and with just one skillet, you’ll have minimal cleanup afterward! Enjoy the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy goodness in every forkful.