Quick Dinners
Recipe

A Simple One-Pan Chicken Dinner That's Breaking the Internet

Yummy Editorial
Golden roasted chicken with herbs in a cast iron skillet
Prep

15m

Cook

45m

Total

60m

Servings

4 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon dried herbs (mix of thyme, rosemary, oregano)
  • 4 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (potatoes, carrots, Brussels sprouts)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F
  2. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and dried herbs
  3. Heat olive oil in cast iron skillet, sear chicken skin-side down until golden
  4. Flip chicken, add chopped vegetables, garlic, and lemon slices
  5. Roast in oven for 35-40 minutes until chicken is crispy and vegetables are caramelized

The Kitchen Rescue That Changed Everything

The kitchen was a mess. Three dirty pots, a cutting board covered in herb fragments, and my patience wearing thin after a long workday. That's when I discovered the recipe that would transform my entire approach to weeknight cooking—a one-pan chicken dinner so ridiculously simple it almost felt like cheating.

Why One-Pan Meals Are a Game Changer

Cooking doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, the best meals are often the most straightforward—requiring minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. This particular chicken recipe has gone viral for a reason: it delivers restaurant-quality results with barely any effort.

The Viral One-Pan Chicken Miracle

Perfect Golden Chicken Every Single Time

The secret is in the technique. By starting the chicken skin-side down in a screaming-hot cast iron skillet, you'll create a crispy, golden exterior that crackles when you bite into it. The skin renders its fat, creating a natural cooking medium for the vegetables that nestle around the meat.

Vegetable Magic

Those vegetables aren't just a side—they're an integral part of the dish. As the chicken roasts, its juices drip down, creating caramelized edges on potatoes and Brussels sprouts that are nothing short of addictive. Imagine biting into a potato that's simultaneously crisp on the outside and creamy on the inside, infused with herb-roasted chicken flavor.

Foolproof Flavor Building

The herb blend is your flavor foundation. A mix of dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano creates an aromatic blanket that transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary. Crushed garlic and lemon slices add brightness and depth, cutting through the richness of the chicken.

Pro Tips for One-Pan Perfection

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Hand-picked tools we recommend for home cooks.

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- Let the skillet get really hot before adding chicken—this ensures that perfect crispy skin

- Don't crowd the pan. Give each piece of chicken and vegetable some breathing room

- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They're more forgiving and stay incredibly juicy

- If you want extra herbs, chop some fresh parsley to sprinkle right before serving

The Cleanup (Or Lack Thereof)

The best part? One pan. That's it. No mountain of dishes, no complex cleaning routine. Just delicious dinner and minimal effort.

A Meal That Tells a Story

This isn't just a recipe. It's a reminder that cooking can be simple, delicious, and deeply satisfying. With just a few ingredients and one trusty skillet, you can create a meal that feels like a warm hug—crispy, herb-infused, and absolutely perfect.