Speedy Savory Chicken Dinner Recipe for Busy Nights

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this wholesome chicken dinner recipe delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Simple ingredients come together to create a meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Lean protein meets vibrant vegetables in a harmonious blend of flavors and nutrition.

Each bite promises warmth and nourishment without complicated preparation.

Home cooks love how quickly this dish comes together after a long day.

The recipe offers a perfect balance of taste and health that keeps everyone at the table happy.

You’ll want to make this a regular rotation in your meal planning.

Plan Ahead And Store Easy Chicken Dinner Smartly

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep cooked chicken in an airtight container for 3-4 days, ensuring it's cooled completely before sealing to maintain optimal taste and texture.
• Freezer Friendly Batch: Portion the chicken and veggies into individual meal containers, freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for quick reheating.
• Meal Prep Magic: Chop vegetables and season chicken in advance, storing separately in sealed containers. This strategy saves 20-30 minutes during weeknight cooking, making dinner preparation effortless.
• Reheating Tricks: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 430 kcal

Servings: 3

Everything In Easy Chicken Dinner

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that absorbs seasonings beautifully, opt for fresh, plump cuts without discoloration or strange odors.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Aromatic spices that create a flavor-packed crust, choose freshly ground spices for maximum taste intensity.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create golden-brown exterior, select high-quality extra virgin olive oil for best results.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Zucchini, Bell Peppers: Colorful, nutrient-dense vegetables that add vibrant texture and freshness, select firm and brightly colored produce.

• Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Lemon Juice, Red Pepper Flakes: Adds depth and brightness, use fresh garlic for most intense flavor.

• Fresh Parsley: Brings a pop of color and fresh herbal note, choose bright green leaves without wilting.

Tools For Easy Chicken Dinner Prep

• Large skillet: Essential for searing chicken and cooking vegetables with even heat.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping chicken and maneuvering ingredients safely in the hot pan.
• Cutting board: Needed for preparing vegetables and seasoning chicken.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings and spices.
• Meat thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's internal temperature reaches 165F (75C).
• Chef's knife: Sharp knife for chopping vegetables and herbs precisely.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.

Steps To Make Easy Chicken Dinner Quickly

• Prepare Chicken

Pat chicken dry and generously coat with a blend of savory spices for maximum flavor infusion.

• Create Golden Crust

Sizzle chicken in hot skillet, developing a beautiful caramelized exterior that locks in juiciness.

• Transform Vegetables

Quickly sauté colorful garden-fresh produce in buttery pan, allowing each veggie to develop rich, tender characteristics.

• Merge Flavors

Reunite chicken with vegetables, introducing bright citrus notes and optional spicy kick while ensuring perfect doneness.

• Plate With Flair

Sprinkle fresh herbs over dish, presenting a restaurant-quality meal that promises to delight taste buds and impress dinner companions.

Flavor Swaps For Easy Chicken Dinner

• Texture Pro Tips: Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear without steaming.
• Diet-Friendly Swap: Replace chicken with tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives for vegetarian and vegan versions, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional grains to reduce carbohydrate intake.
• Meal Prep Hack: Cook extra chicken and vegetables to store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, making quick lunches or future dinners super easy.

Serving Up Easy Chicken Dinner For Family

• Veggie Harmony Plate: Pair the chicken with a colorful medley of roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus, carrots, and brussels sprouts for a nutritious and visually stunning meal.
• Carb Companion Options: Serve alongside fluffy quinoa, creamy mashed potatoes, or al dente orzo pasta to soak up the delicious pan sauce and complete the dining experience.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Enhance the dish's brightness by sprinkling extra chopped parsley, basil, or chives on top, adding a fresh layer of flavor and elegant green garnish that elevates the entire presentation.
• Mediterranean-Style Twist: Transform leftovers into a delightful wrap with tzatziki sauce, crisp lettuce, and diced cucumber, turning your easy chicken dinner into a portable lunch sensation.

Wholesome Chicken Dinner Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Robust Italian chicken parmesan brings classic Mediterranean flavors to your table with crispy breaded chicken and melted cheese. Simple ingredients create a satisfying meal that connects family and friends around delicious comfort food.

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Ingredients

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• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter, divided
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Meticulously dry the poultry and thoroughly coat with a robust spice blend, ensuring complete coverage for optimal flavor development and caramelization.
2. Searing Technique: Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet until shimmering, then strategically place chicken to create a golden-brown exterior, cooking each side for 5-6 minutes until perfectly crisp and sealed.
3. Vegetable Infusion: Utilize the same skillet with residual chicken essence, introduce butter, garlic, and Italian herbs. Quickly incorporate cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers, sautéing until vegetables soften and release their vibrant flavors.
4. Final Integration: Reunite seared chicken with vegetable medley, drizzle with remaining butter and lemon juice. Optional red pepper flakes add subtle heat. Simmer until chicken reaches precise internal temperature, ensuring juicy, perfectly cooked protein.
5. Presentation Flourish: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve alongside complementary starches like rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes to complete this gourmet culinary creation.

Notes

• Dry Chicken Thoroughly: Pat chicken completely dry with paper towels to ensure perfect golden-brown searing and crispy exterior without steaming.
• Control Skillet Temperature: Heat olive oil until just shimmering, not smoking, to prevent burning and achieve ideal caramelization without bitter flavors.
• Monitor Chicken Doneness: Use meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and juicy chicken without overcooking.
• Customize Vegetable Selection: Swap suggested vegetables based on seasonal availability or dietary preferences, maintaining similar cooking times and sizes for even preparation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg