Finding a dinner that’s both delicious and genuinely healthy can feel like a weeknight miracle, especially when life gets busy.
This recipe delivers on all fronts, offering a comforting meal that doesn’t compromise on nutrition or flavor. It’s the perfect solution for those evenings when you want something satisfying but need to keep things light and easy.
Whether you’re juggling sports schedules, looking for a smart meal prep option, or simply aiming for more health-conscious choices, this chicken dinner is designed with your busy lifestyle in mind. It’s quick enough for a last-minute dinner and versatile enough to please everyone at the table.
Table of Contents
- What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
- Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
- Time Needed From Start To Finish
- How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
- Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
- Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
- How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
Quick and Easy Healthy Chicken Dinner
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This recipe offers a delicious and genuinely healthy chicken dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s quick to prepare, versatile, and designed for those who want a satisfying meal without compromising on nutrition or flavor. Ideal for meal prepping or a last-minute dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. 1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. 2. Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it shimmer.
3. 3. Sear the Chicken: Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165 F (74 C)). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate, tented loosely with foil, to rest.
4. 4. Saute the Vegetables: Add the mixed vegetables to the same skillet. Saute for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender-crisp.
5. 5. Create the Sauce (Optional Thickening): Pour the low-sodium chicken broth into the skillet with the vegetables, scraping up any browned bits. If you prefer a slightly thicker sauce, whisk the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water in a small bowl until smooth, then stir it into the simmering broth. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. 6. Combine and Serve: Slice the rested chicken breasts against the grain into desired portions. Return the sliced chicken to the skillet with the vegetables and sauce, tossing gently to coat. Heat through for another minute. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if using, and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: saute
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
Keywords: chicken, healthy, weeknight, easy, dinner, quick, vegetables, lean protein, meal prep, family friendly
What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
This recipe is a true weeknight hero, designed for anyone who needs a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s particularly ideal for busy families, especially those with active kids involved in sports, as it provides lean protein and balanced flavors without heavy ingredients. You’ll appreciate how quickly it comes together, making it a fantastic option for those evenings when time is short but you still want to serve a home-cooked meal. It’s also a brilliant choice for meal prepping healthy lunches or dinners for the week ahead, as it reheats beautifully. Serve it as a main course with your favorite side dishes, or enjoy it on its own for a lighter, yet satisfying, meal. Its simplicity and health benefits make it a go-to for anyone aiming for a balanced diet without sacrificing taste.
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward ingredients, most of which you likely already have on hand or can easily find at any grocery store. We focus on fresh, accessible items that come together to create a flavorful and healthy meal. No exotic spices or hard-to-find produce here – just good, honest food.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as broccoli florets, sliced carrots, and bell peppers)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
For the chicken, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used as a flavorful alternative if you prefer dark meat. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, a blend of dried oregano, basil, and thyme will work perfectly. Feel free to use any combination of your favorite quick-cooking vegetables; frozen mixed vegetables are a convenient option and don’t require thawing before adding them to the pan. If you’re looking for a slightly richer flavor, a splash of white wine can replace some of the chicken broth.
Time Needed From Start To Finish
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
These times are based on having your ingredients ready to go. The cooking time for the chicken will vary slightly depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts, but generally, it’s a very fast process.
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Creating this healthy chicken dinner is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked, flavorful meal every time.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better. If your chicken breasts are very thick, you can slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets or pound them gently to an even thickness (about 3/4 inch) for faster, more even cooking. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet (preferably non-stick or cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it shimmer, indicating it’s hot enough to sear.
- Sear the Chicken: Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate, tented loosely with foil, to rest. This keeps it juicy.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the mixed vegetables to the same skillet (you might need to add another teaspoon of olive oil if the pan is dry). Sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender-crisp. You want them cooked but still with a bit of bite.
- Create the Sauce (Optional Thickening): Pour the low-sodium chicken broth into the skillet with the vegetables, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – these add a lot of flavor! If you prefer a slightly thicker sauce, whisk the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water in a small bowl until smooth, then stir it into the simmering broth. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and Serve: Slice the rested chicken breasts against the grain into desired portions. Return the sliced chicken to the skillet with the vegetables and sauce, tossing gently to coat. Heat through for another minute. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if using, and serve immediately.
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
This healthy chicken dinner is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions.
- Kid-Friendly Twists: For younger eaters, you can cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces before cooking, making it easier to eat. Serve it alongside plain rice or pasta, and offer a dipping sauce like a mild ranch or honey mustard. You can also use milder vegetables like peas and corn, which are often more appealing to children.
- Flavor Boosts: To add a different flavor profile, try a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished dish, or sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. A dash of balsamic glaze can also add a lovely tang.
- Party or Buffet Serving: This dish holds well, making it suitable for a buffet. Keep it warm in a slow cooker on a “warm” setting. You can prepare larger batches of the chicken and vegetables separately and combine them just before serving.
- Optional Toppings: Consider adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a few toasted nuts (like slivered almonds) for extra texture and flavor. Fresh herbs like dill or chives also make a wonderful garnish.
- Serving Suggestions: This chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it over quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette, roasted sweet potatoes, or steamed green beans would also complement the meal perfectly. For a heartier meal, serve it with whole wheat pasta or a slice of crusty whole-grain bread.
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
Even simple recipes can have small pitfalls. Being aware of these common mistakes will help ensure your healthy chicken dinner turns out perfectly every time.
- Overcooking the Chicken: This is the most common mistake, leading to dry, tough chicken. Always cook chicken breasts to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check. Remember that chicken will continue to cook slightly after it’s removed from the heat (carryover cooking), so it’s better to pull it off just shy of the target temperature.
- Crowding the Pan: When searing chicken or sautéing vegetables, avoid overcrowding the skillet. If there’s too much food, it will steam rather than sear, preventing that delicious golden-brown crust. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Not Patting Chicken Dry: Moisture on the surface of the chicken prevents proper browning. Always pat the chicken breasts thoroughly dry with paper towels before seasoning and searing.
- Under-Seasoning: Bland chicken is no fun! Don’t be shy with the salt, pepper, and other seasonings. Taste your sauce before adding the chicken back in and adjust as needed.
- Overcooking Vegetables: While you want the vegetables tender, you don’t want them mushy. Cook them until they are tender-crisp, which usually takes only a few minutes.
- Skipping the Resting Step: Allowing the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a much juicier and more tender final product.
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
This healthy chicken dinner is excellent for meal prep and stores wonderfully, making your weeknights even easier.
- Storing Leftovers: Once cooled completely, transfer any leftover chicken and vegetables with their sauce to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing for Later: For longer storage, this dish freezes quite well. Place the cooled chicken and vegetables in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It
FAQs
- Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
- How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
- Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
- Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.
