One Pan Easy Healthy Dinner Chicken
Highlighted under: Wholesome Ideas
When I'm in need of a quick, nutritious meal, I turn to this One Pan Easy Healthy Dinner Chicken recipe. It guarantees a flavorful dinner without the hassle of multiple pans and cleanup. The freshness of the vegetables combined with the tender chicken creates a dish that is both satisfying and healthy. What I love most is that everything cooks together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully in just one pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights when time is short, but nutritious meals are still a priority.
I’ve made this One Pan Easy Healthy Dinner Chicken multiple times, each tweak revealing new dimensions of flavor. One evening, I swapped out the bell peppers for zucchini, and the dish was a hit! The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can use any vegetables you have on hand, ensuring no one gets bored and minimizing waste.
This method is particularly efficient, as the chicken remains juicy while absorbing all the spices during cooking. A little tip I swear by is to sear the chicken first for that inviting golden-brown color. It not only enhances the taste but also makes for a lovely presentation right from the pan!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Effortless cleanup with just one pan to wash
- Packed with nutrients and flavor in every bite
- Versatile, allowing for various vegetable combinations
Cooking Techniques for Perfect Chicken
To achieve perfectly cooked chicken in this one pan meal, the searing step is crucial. Searing the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes on each side with medium-high heat gives them a golden-brown crust, sealing in juices while creating great flavor. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken to avoid steaming; the chicken should sizzle upon contact. If your chicken is thick, consider butterflying it to ensure even cooking throughout.
Monitoring the internal temperature is key to avoiding overcooked chicken. I recommend using an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness; chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). If you're unsure, allow the chicken to rest covered for about 5 minutes post-bake, which lets the juices redistribute for juicier meat.
Vegetable Variations and Tips
The mixed vegetables in this recipe can be customized based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. For a twist, try using asparagus, broccoli, or even cherry tomatoes for different textures and flavors. Just be mindful of cooking time; denser vegetables like carrots may require a minute longer to sauté than softer ones like zucchini or bell peppers to achieve a tender result.
If you prefer a creamier dish, consider adding a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream to the chicken broth before baking. This enriches the overall flavor and creates a luscious sauce that pairs beautifully with the vegetables and chicken.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients for a hassle-free cooking experience.
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, carrots)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Make sure everything is fresh and ready before you start cooking!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious one-pan meal.
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it's heating, mix the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub this seasoning all over the chicken breasts.
Sear the Chicken
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Add Vegetables
Remove the chicken temporarily and add your mixed vegetables to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
Combine and Bake
Return the chicken to the skillet, pour in the chicken broth, and bring it to a simmer. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve directly from the pan for a rustic presentation!
Enjoy your delicious and healthy one-pan dinner!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning for a few hours before cooking, and try adding some lemon juice for a zesty kick.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This recipe is fantastic for meal prep! After cooking, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, do so gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered to retain moisture, or microwave in 30-second intervals for best results.
If you're planning for a larger group, it's easy to scale this recipe. Simply increase the quantities of chicken and vegetables, keeping the seasoning ratios the same. Just be sure to use a larger skillet or multiple pans to ensure even cooking, as overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than searing.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal, serve this One Pan Easy Healthy Dinner Chicken over a bed of fluffy quinoa or brown rice, which absorbs the delicious broth and adds a nutty flavor. A side salad with a zesty vinaigrette complements the dish perfectly, freshening up the flavors.
You can also turn leftovers into a delicious wrap or salad topping. Simply shred the chicken and mix it with the vegetables, adding a drizzle of your favorite dressing or a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
→ What other vegetables can I use?
Any vegetables you have on hand work well! Broccoli, asparagus, or snap peas are great alternatives.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare everything up to the baking step and then refrigerate it until you're ready to bake.
One Pan Easy Healthy Dinner Chicken
When I'm in need of a quick, nutritious meal, I turn to this One Pan Easy Healthy Dinner Chicken recipe. It guarantees a flavorful dinner without the hassle of multiple pans and cleanup. The freshness of the vegetables combined with the tender chicken creates a dish that is both satisfying and healthy. What I love most is that everything cooks together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully in just one pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights when time is short, but nutritious meals are still a priority.
Created by: Adriana Whitaker
Recipe Type: Wholesome Ideas
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, carrots)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it's heating, mix the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub this seasoning all over the chicken breasts.
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Remove the chicken temporarily and add your mixed vegetables to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
Return the chicken to the skillet, pour in the chicken broth, and bring it to a simmer. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve directly from the pan for a rustic presentation!
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning for a few hours before cooking, and try adding some lemon juice for a zesty kick.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 550mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 30g