If you're juggling homework, sports, and maybe even a part-time job, whipping up a dinner that's both quick and tasty can feel impossible. But fear not! With these five one-pan chicken and veggie recipes, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time. Imagine the zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken or the finger-lickin' BBQ Chicken and Corn Skillet—sounds good, right? Stick around to discover how easy it is to make your evenings stress-free!
Lemon Garlic Chicken With Asparagus
Lemon garlic chicken with asparagus is a delightful and healthy one-pan dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The bright flavors of lemon and garlic pair beautifully with tender chicken breasts and fresh asparagus, making for a satisfying meal that requires minimal cleanup.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and nutritious dinner that your family will love.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade.
In a large oven-safe skillet, arrange the marinated chicken breasts in a single layer, then place the trimmed asparagus around the chicken. Drizzle any remaining marinade over the asparagus.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the asparagus is tender. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken for a couple of hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This will improve the lemon and garlic flavors.
You can also customize the vegetables by adding cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for a colorful mix.
If you prefer a crispy finish, you can broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli
Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli is a delightful one-pan dish that combines tender chicken breasts with vibrant broccoli, all coated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce. This recipe isn't only easy to prepare but also makes for a nutritious weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
The combination of flavors and textures creates a satisfying dish that can be served over rice or enjoyed on its own.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a large baking sheet.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet and brush half of the honey mustard mixture over the top of the chicken.
Arrange the broccoli florets around the chicken and drizzle the remaining sauce over the broccoli.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the broccoli is tender, stirring the broccoli halfway through for even cooking.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the honey mustard mixture for a few hours before cooking. This will improve the taste and tenderness of the meat.
Additionally, if you prefer a bit of crunch, you can broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to give the broccoli a crispy texture.
Don't forget to sprinkle some sesame seeds on top before serving for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.
Enjoy your delicious and wholesome one-pan meal!
Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry With Bell Peppers
Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers is a delicious and vibrant dish that brings together tender chicken, crunchy bell peppers, and a sweet-savory teriyaki sauce for a quick and satisfying meal.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan recipe requires minimal prep and cooking time, making it an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy a flavorful dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it over rice or noodles to soak up the tasty sauce, and enjoy a delightful balance of protein and vegetables in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
Instructions:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir for an additional minute until fragrant. Next, toss in the sliced bell peppers and broccoli, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Pour in the teriyaki sauce and soy sauce, stirring to coat the chicken and veggies evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until heated through, then remove from heat.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor and texture, consider marinating the chicken in a bit of teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
You can also customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand; snap peas, carrots, or zucchini can be great additions. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and add it to the skillet at the end of cooking.
Finally, don't forget to sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving for an extra touch of flavor and presentation!
Mediterranean Chicken With Zucchini and Tomatoes
Mediterranean Chicken with Zucchini and Tomatoes is a vibrant, one-pan dish that perfectly balances juicy chicken, fresh zucchini, and sweet, ripe tomatoes. This flavorful meal isn't only easy to prepare but also provides a healthy option for dinner, bursting with Mediterranean flavors. The combination of herbs and spices amplifies the natural taste of the ingredients, making it a delightful option for any night of the week.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and paprika, then add them to the pan. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, sliced zucchini, and halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the tomatoes begin to burst.
Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it among the veggies, and allow everything to heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes. Serve with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
Extra Tips:
For an even richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for a couple of hours before cooking.
You can easily customize this dish by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, or by substituting the chicken with firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
Make sure to keep an eye on cooking times, as thinner chicken breasts may cook faster. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of couscous or quinoa for a complete meal. Enjoy your Mediterranean feast!
BBQ Chicken and Corn Skillet
BBQ Chicken and Corn Skillet is a delicious and simple one-pan meal that brings together tender chicken, sweet corn, and zesty BBQ sauce for a flavor-packed dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish isn't only quick to prepare but also makes for easy cleanup.
With just a few ingredients and a single skillet, you can create a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook the chicken until it's browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the corn kernels and BBQ sauce, mixing well to combine.
Continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the corn to heat through. Once done, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired, and serve hot.
Extra Tips:
Feel free to customize this dish by adding additional vegetables such as bell peppers or onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker option—just add it in after the corn and BBQ sauce to warm it through.
If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the BBQ sauce.
This dish pairs well with rice or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Enjoy your cooking!