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Chicken Margherita Skillet Recipe

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3.8 from 31 reviews

Chicken Margherita Skillet is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish featuring juicy seared chicken thighs layered with sautéed bell peppers, fresh basil pesto, melted mozzarella, and topped with fresh basil and cherry tomatoes. This dish combines vibrant Mediterranean flavors and is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner baked to perfection in the oven.

Ingredients

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
  • 5 oz cherry tomatoes, sliced in half

Chicken and Cheese

  • 5 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 8 oz fresh Mozzarella cheese, sliced thick

Oils and Condiments

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for peppers)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for chicken)
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the assembled skillet dish.
  2. Sauté Bell Peppers: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers, season with salt and pepper, and sear them for about 5 minutes until they are lightly softened. Remove peppers from skillet and set aside on a plate.
  3. Sear Chicken Thighs: Season the boneless, skinless chicken thighs with salt and pepper. In the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear each side for about 4 minutes until browned. Remove chicken from skillet. Note that the chicken will finish cooking in the oven.
  4. Assemble Skillet: Return the sautéed bell peppers to the skillet evenly. Arrange the seared chicken thighs on top of the peppers.
  5. Add Garlic: Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the chicken thighs.
  6. Spread Pesto: Evenly spread the basil pesto over each chicken thigh, ensuring good coverage for flavor.
  7. Add Mozzarella: Place thick slices of fresh mozzarella cheese on top of the pesto-covered chicken thighs.
  8. Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken thighs are fully cooked through and the cheese is melted. Be careful not to overcook.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, top each chicken thigh with fresh chopped basil and the halved cherry tomatoes for a fresh burst of flavor before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure the chicken thighs are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • Skinless and boneless chicken thighs ensure even cooking and tenderness.
  • If fresh basil pesto is unavailable, substitute with a high-quality store-bought pesto.
  • Searing the chicken first locks in juices and improves flavor.
  • Adjust oven time slightly based on the thickness of the chicken thighs to avoid drying out.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/chicken-margherita-skillet-recipe/