One Pan Easy Healthy Dinner Chicken
Highlighted under: Fresh & Fit Meals
I love whipping up this One Pan Easy Healthy Dinner Chicken for a quick yet satisfying meal. It combines tender chicken, colorful veggies, and delicious seasonings all in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. The simplicity of this recipe allows me to experiment with different vegetables and spices based on what I have at home. Plus, it's a healthy option that keeps our energy up during busy weeknights. This dish truly embodies the idea that healthy meals can be both easy and flavorful!
When I first tried this One Pan Easy Healthy Dinner Chicken, I was amazed at how such a simple recipe could burst with flavor. The combination of roasting chicken with seasonal vegetables provides an exquisite taste profile that keeps me coming back for more. I find that using fresh herbs at the end of cooking makes all the difference in elevating the dish.
As I perfected this recipe over time, I learned that searing the chicken before adding the vegetables not only locks in moisture but also creates a beautiful caramelized crust. This extra step is quick and makes the dish feel gourmet without the hassle. I really think you'll enjoy this hearty and healthy meal!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- One-pan convenience makes for easy cleanup
- Flavorful, herb-infused dish that's healthy and satisfying
- Versatile – swap out veggies or spices as you please
Choosing the Right Chicken
When making this One Pan Easy Healthy Dinner Chicken, it's essential to select the right type of chicken. I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts as they cook evenly and remain tender. If you're looking for more flavor, consider substituting with thighs, which are juicier and can enhance the overall dish. Just keep in mind that thighs will take slightly longer to cook, so adjust your baking time accordingly—about 30 to 35 minutes should do the trick.
For an added layer of flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the olive oil and seasoning mixture for a few hours or overnight. This deepens the taste, ensuring that every bite is bursting with the delicious herb-infused goodness.
Veggie Variations and Considerations
This recipe is incredibly versatile regarding the vegetables you can use. While the original version calls for broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots, feel free to swap these out based on your preferences or what's in season. Zucchini, green beans, or even Brussels sprouts work beautifully. Just remember to cut your veggies into similar sizes to ensure they all cook evenly within the same time frame.
If you're using more delicate vegetables like spinach or asparagus, add them halfway through the baking process to prevent overcooking. They only need about 10 to 15 minutes in the oven to soften while still retaining their vibrant color and nutrients.
Make-Ahead Tips and Storage
For busy weeknights, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Simply marinate the chicken and cut the vegetables a day in advance, storing everything separately in the refrigerator. When you're ready to cook, everything will be ready for a quick assembly and bake, saving you precious time.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. This dish reheats well in the microwave or oven—just make sure to cover it to maintain moisture. For those looking to extend its life, freeze the cooled chicken and veggies in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating, and you’ll have a meal ready to go on another busy night.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients to create a wholesome meal that everyone will enjoy:
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
With these fresh ingredients ready, you’re all set to create a delightful meal!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare a delicious One Pan Easy Healthy Dinner Chicken:
Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that everything cooks evenly and efficiently.
Season the Chicken
In a bowl, mix the olive oil, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken breasts ensuring they are well coated.
Sear the Chicken
In an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. This step is crucial for maximum flavor.
Add Vegetables
Once the chicken is seared, add the broccoli, bell pepper, carrots, and minced garlic around the chicken in the skillet.
Bake
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm. Enjoy the flavors!
Your delicious One Pan Easy Healthy Dinner Chicken is ready to be served!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables based on what you have on hand. This recipe is flexible and can be customized to suit your taste!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your One Pan Easy Healthy Dinner Chicken, consider serving it over a bed of quinoa or brown rice. These grains not only complement the dish but also increase fiber and nutrient content. A drizzle of lemon juice just before serving adds brightness and enhances the existing flavors beautifully.
You can also pair this dish with a refreshing side salad to add crunch and additional vitamins. A simple mix of greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette can balance the hearty chicken and veggies, creating a well-rounded meal.
Troubleshooting Cooking Issues
If you find that your chicken is dry after baking, it may have been overcooked. Ensuring that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) is crucial for both safety and juiciness. Using a meat thermometer can help avoid this error, allowing you to pull the chicken from the oven at just the right moment.
Conversely, if the vegetables are undercooked while your chicken is perfect, try cutting them smaller or pre-cooking them for a few minutes before adding them to the skillet. This way, they’ll be tender and flavorful alongside the perfectly baked chicken.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but ensure they are fully thawed before cooking for even results.
→ What vegetables work best for this recipe?
Broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots are all excellent choices!
→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken and chop the vegetables a day in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator.
→ How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer; the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
One Pan Easy Healthy Dinner Chicken
I love whipping up this One Pan Easy Healthy Dinner Chicken for a quick yet satisfying meal. It combines tender chicken, colorful veggies, and delicious seasonings all in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. The simplicity of this recipe allows me to experiment with different vegetables and spices based on what I have at home. Plus, it's a healthy option that keeps our energy up during busy weeknights. This dish truly embodies the idea that healthy meals can be both easy and flavorful!
Created by: Delilah Spencer
Recipe Type: Fresh & Fit Meals
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How-To Steps
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that everything cooks evenly and efficiently.
In a bowl, mix the olive oil, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken breasts ensuring they are well coated.
In an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. This step is crucial for maximum flavor.
Once the chicken is seared, add the broccoli, bell pepper, carrots, and minced garlic around the chicken in the skillet.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm. Enjoy the flavors!
Extra Tips
- Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables based on what you have on hand. This recipe is flexible and can be customized to suit your taste!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 40g