This is the recipe you need when you want a satisfying meal without the fuss. Easy Thing To Cook brings together simple ingredients in one pan, so you spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying.
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The method is straightforward: sear, simmer, and serve. You'll get perfectly tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a savory sauce that ties it all together. It's a reliable weeknight staple.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned cook, this dish delivers consistent results. Let's get started.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
Chicken breasts cook quickly and stay juicy. For a richer flavor, use chicken thighs; adjust cooking time by 2-3 minutes.
2 tbsp olive oil
Use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil for sautéing. Avocado oil works too but has a higher smoke point.
1 medium yellow onion, diced
Yellow onion adds sweetness. Substitute with white or red onion; red is milder.
2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic is best. If using jarred, use 1 tsp.
1 red bell pepper, sliced
Adds color and crunch. Any color bell pepper works; green is more bitter.
1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
Cherry tomatoes hold shape well. Use regular tomatoes, chopped, if needed.
1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken broth
Low-sodium lets you control salt. Vegetable broth is a good substitute.
1 tsp dried oregano
Dried oregano is robust. Swap with 1 tbsp fresh oregano if you have it.
1 tsp smoked paprika
Smoked paprika adds depth. Regular paprika works, but omit the smoky flavor.
1/2 tsp salt
Adjust to taste. Use kosher salt for better control.
1/4 tsp black pepper
Freshly ground is best. Pre-ground is fine.
2 cups (300g) cooked rice (or quinoa)
Use leftover rice for convenience. Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Tips & Tricks
- Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when searing; cook in batches if needed.
- Simmer gently, not boiling, to keep chicken tender.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. This enhances flavor and helps browning.
2. Heat the Oil
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat (about 375°F/190°C) until shimmering. This ensures a good sear.
3. Sear the Chicken
Add chicken in a single layer. Cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on one side. Flip and cook 2-3 minutes more. Remove and set aside.
4. Cook Aromatics
In the same skillet, add onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add Tomatoes and Spices
Stir in cherry tomatoes, oregano, paprika. Cook for 2 minutes until tomatoes start to soften.
6. Simmer the Sauce
Pour in chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer over medium heat (about 200°F/93°C).
7. Return Chicken
Add chicken back to the skillet. Simmer uncovered for 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
8. Serve
Serve over cooked rice. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Delicious Variations
Protein Swap
Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. Adjust cooking times: shrimp 3-4 minutes, tofu 6-8 minutes.
Add Greens
Stir in a handful of spinach or kale during the last 2 minutes of simmering.
Make it Spicy
Add 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes with the spices.
How to Store Easy Thing To Cook
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well. They are more forgiving and stay moist. Just increase cooking time by 2-3 minutes.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free, as it uses no butter or cream.
Q: Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. Add zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli. Add them with the bell pepper and adjust cooking time.
Q: What can I use instead of rice?
Quinoa, couscous, or cauliflower rice are great substitutes. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Try this Easy Thing To Cook tonight and let me know how it turns out. Share your variations in the comments below!
Easy Thing To Cook
Easy Thing To Cook is a one-pan, 30-minute dinner that's hearty, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups (300g) cooked rice (or quinoa)
📋 Instructions
- 1Season the Chicken — Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. This enhances flavor and helps browning.
- 2Heat the Oil — In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat (about 375°F/190°C) until shimmering. This ensures a good sear.
- 3Sear the Chicken — Add chicken in a single layer. Cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on one side. Flip and cook 2-3 minutes more. Remove and set aside.
- 4Cook Aromatics — In the same skillet, add onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 5Add Tomatoes and Spices — Stir in cherry tomatoes, oregano, paprika. Cook for 2 minutes until tomatoes start to soften.
- 6Simmer the Sauce — Pour in chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer over medium heat (about 200°F/93°C).
- 7Return Chicken — Add chicken back to the skillet. Simmer uncovered for 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
- 8Serve — Serve over cooked rice. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Liam covers personal finance for young professionals, with a no-nonsense approach to budgeting and investing. He shares strategies he's tested while paying off his own student loans.
