One Pan Easy Healthy Dinner Chicken
Highlighted under: Smart Healthy Choices
I love making this One Pan Easy Healthy Dinner Chicken because it’s not only delicious but also so simple to prepare. The best part is that everything cooks together in one pan, which saves on cleanup time. Each bite of juicy, seasoned chicken paired with vibrant vegetables brings a burst of flavor that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies! I guarantee this dish will quickly become a favorite in your household, just like it has in mine.
I had been searching for a recipe that combines health and taste, and this One Pan Easy Healthy Dinner Chicken ticks all the boxes. The method of roasting chicken with a medley of colorful vegetables not only enhances the aesthetic but also heightens the flavor profile. I discovered that marinating the chicken in herbs and olive oil before cooking makes it extremely tender and packed with flavor.
What I love most about this dish is how adaptable it is. If you have leftover veggies in the fridge, feel free to toss them in! I once added some asparagus during the last few minutes of cooking, and it turned out to be a delightful addition. It’s all about getting creative with what you have on hand while still enjoying a wholesome meal.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- One-pan simplicity that saves time on cleanup
- Juicy, flavorful chicken cooked to perfection
- A colorful array of vegetables packed with nutrients
Cooking Techniques for Juicy Chicken
The key to achieving juicy chicken breasts is in the preparation and cooking temperature. I recommend pounding the chicken to an even thickness before seasoning; this helps ensure that it cooks uniformly. You want to avoid that common issue of having dry, overcooked pieces. Baking at 400°F (200°C) ensures a fast cooking time while sealing in moisture. Keep an eye on the chicken towards the end of the baking period – it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when done.
Additionally, consider letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender bite. If you notice that the chicken is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the interior finishes cooking.
Vegetable Variations and Substitutions
This recipe offers flexibility with vegetables. While the bell peppers and zucchini pair beautifully with the chicken, feel free to mix in your favorites. Broccoli florets, asparagus, or even sweet potatoes would work splendidly. If you opt for denser vegetables like carrots, consider cutting them smaller or par-cooking them beforehand to ensure everything cooks evenly in the same time frame.
If you're looking for a low-carb option, swap out the cherry tomatoes for cauliflower. Just roast it until tender and slightly caramelized – around 25-30 minutes should do the trick. These adjustments can keep the dish fresh and exciting with each iteration while still packing in those vital nutrients.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients for a delicious one-pan meal:
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Make sure to have these ingredients fresh for the best flavor in the dish.
Instructions
Follow these steps to prepare your One Pan Easy Healthy Dinner Chicken:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Chicken
In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts in this mixture.
Arrange in the Pan
Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a large baking sheet. Scatter the sliced bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes around the chicken.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Garnish and Serve
Once done, remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Enjoy your nutritious meal with family or friends!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to switch up the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have available. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can brighten the flavors.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This One Pan Easy Healthy Dinner Chicken is perfect for meal prep! You can season the chicken up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven for optimal cooking results.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, I recommend doing so in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, which helps retain the chicken’s moisture better than the microwave.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate the meal, consider serving the chicken and vegetables over a bed of quinoa or brown rice. These grains absorb all the flavors from the chicken and veggies, creating a delightful harmony of tastes. For an added twist, drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the top before serving for extra sweetness and tang.
If you're entertaining guests, pair this dish with a crisp green salad or some warm crusty bread on the side. The freshness of the salad balances out the richness of the chicken, while the bread is perfect for soaking up any delicious juices left on the plate.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even results.
→ What other vegetables can I add to this dish?
You can add broccoli, carrots, or asparagus depending on your preference.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make this in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and veggies ahead of time and bake them just before serving.
One Pan Easy Healthy Dinner Chicken
I love making this One Pan Easy Healthy Dinner Chicken because it’s not only delicious but also so simple to prepare. The best part is that everything cooks together in one pan, which saves on cleanup time. Each bite of juicy, seasoned chicken paired with vibrant vegetables brings a burst of flavor that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies! I guarantee this dish will quickly become a favorite in your household, just like it has in mine.
Created by: Isla Turner
Recipe Type: Smart Healthy Choices
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts in this mixture.
Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a large baking sheet. Scatter the sliced bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes around the chicken.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Once done, remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Extra Tips
- Feel free to switch up the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have available. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can brighten the flavors.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 210mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 14g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 36g