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Easy 30-Minute Restaurant-Style Weeknight Dinner

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A quick and easy restaurant-style chicken dinner ready in 30 minutes, featuring juicy chicken thighs with a tangy pan sauce and fresh herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want impressive flavors without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional)
  • 1 medium shallot, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup chicken broth or white wine
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil
  • Optional: grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let rest for about 5 minutes.
  2. Finely mince shallot and garlic. Halve cherry tomatoes. Chop fresh herbs.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the pan, then sauté shallots and garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  5. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until they start softening.
  6. Pour in chicken broth or white wine, scraping browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in lemon juice and half the fresh herbs.
  7. Return chicken to the pan, spoon sauce and tomatoes over it. Cook together for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors and warm through.
  8. Serve hot, sprinkled with remaining fresh herbs. Optionally garnish with grated Parmesan or red pepper flakes.

Notes

Drying the chicken before seasoning helps achieve a golden crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper searing. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; 165°F (74°C) is ideal. Adjust seasoning and acidity to taste. For dairy-free, omit butter or substitute with coconut oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: 30-minute dinner, quick chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, restaurant-style chicken, easy dinner, pan sauce, healthy chicken

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/easy-30-minute-restaurant-style-weeknight-dinner-recipes-youll-love/