One-Pan Chicken Thighs with Garden-Fresh Salad: A Flavor-Packed 30-Minute Feast

 

Looking for a dinner idea that’s both comforting and quick? Say hello to your new go-to recipe: One-Pan Chicken Thighs with a Zesty Cabbage-Apple Salad. This vibrant and satisfying dish turns basic pantry staples into a wholesome, hearty meal in just 30 minutes. With tender chicken, fragrant herbs, and a refreshing crunch from the salad, it’s a weeknight winner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen — when in fact, you only used one pan.

 The Hero: Chicken Thighs Cooked to Perfection

Why You’ll Love This:

•  Quick and easy (30 minutes or less!)

•  Minimal cleanup (one-pan magic)

•  Full of comforting flavor

•  Naturally healthy and customizable

This recipe starts with chicken drumsticks or thighs, seasoned generously with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and freshly cracked black pepper. These spices create a warm, smoky crust while the olive oil and butter in the pan ensure juicy, golden results.

Add in sautéed onions, chopped tomatoes, a touch of sugar, basil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to create a simple but rich sauce. A few boiled eggs, chopped parsley, and coriander finish it off, adding layers of flavor and texture that elevate the dish.

Pro Tip: Let the onions caramelize slightly before adding the tomatoes to deepen the sauce’s flavor.

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 The Sidekick: Cabbage-Apple Salad with Mustard-Lemon Dressing

This meal wouldn’t be complete without a crisp, vibrant salad to cut through the richness of the chicken. Our fresh slaw-style salad is packed with colorful veggies and fruit, making it as pretty as it is nutritious.

 Ingredients:

• 200g green cabbage

• 150g red cabbage

• 1 large carrot (grated)

• 1 sweet apple (julienned or finely sliced)

• A few stalks of green onions

 For the Dressing:

• 50ml olive oil

• ½ tsp sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• Juice of ½ lemon

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. Toss well, then let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly. This mellow crunch pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.

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 How to Make It – Step-by-Step

1. Prep the Chicken:

Rub chicken drumsticks with:

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)

• Black pepper

Heat 1–2 tbsp olive oil and 10g butter in a large pan. Add the chicken and brown on both sides.

2. Create the Sauce:

• Slice and add 1 onion to the pan.

• Cook until soft, then add 2 diced tomatoes.

• Sprinkle with ½ tsp sugar and ½ tsp basil.

• Season again with a pinch of salt and black pepper.

3. Finish the Dish:

• Boil 3 eggs for 8–10 minutes.

• Peel, chop, and stir them into the pan.

• Add chopped parsley and coriander (about ¼ bunch each).

• Let simmer for a minute or two to blend flavors.

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 Serve & Enjoy

Plate your juicy, herb-infused chicken with a hearty scoop of the salad on the side. The savory meat, creamy egg, and herby tomato base are beautifully balanced by the sweet tang of the cabbage-apple slaw.

This one-pan dinner is not only nutrient-rich, but also budget-friendly, family-approved, and meal-prep friendly — perfect for busy evenings or lazy weekends.

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Delicious doesn’t have to mean difficult. This One-Pan Chicken Thighs with Fresh Salad recipe proves that with a few fresh ingredients and a single pan, you can create a meal that’s bursting with flavor, color, and texture. It’s a true celebration of simplicity and taste — and cleanup takes just minutes!