Are you ready to transport your taste buds to the rustic countryside of Tuscany without leaving your kitchen? This mouthwatering Tuscan No Peek Skillet Chicken is the ultimate comfort meal that combines simplicity, incredible flavor, and minimal cleanup. Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken thighs nestled in a rich, aromatic sauce of ripe tomatoes and earthy mushrooms, all prepared in a single skillet that'll have your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by patting chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then generously seasoning both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until oil is shimmering but not smoking.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet, allowing them to develop a golden-brown crispy exterior, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Flip chicken thighs and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes to sear the other side, then remove from skillet and set aside temporarily.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice, stirring to combine with onions and mushrooms, creating a rich sauce base.
- Gently nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, ensuring they are partially submerged in the tomato and mushroom sauce.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and let simmer without peeking for 25-30 minutes, allowing chicken to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Check internal temperature of chicken thighs, which should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve hot, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or basil if desired.
Tips
- Pat chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, beautiful sear.
- Use a cast-iron skillet if possible - it provides the most even heat and best flavor development.
- Don't rush the searing process; allow the chicken to develop a golden-brown crust for maximum flavor.
- Resist the temptation to lift the lid during the "no peek" cooking phase - this traps moisture and ensures incredibly juicy chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F for safe, perfectly cooked meat.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the tomato sauce or garnishing with fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 135mg
