Are you looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both healthy and incredibly satisfying? This chicken breast recipe is designed to bring comfort to your table without compromising on nutrition. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy lean protein in a dish that feels indulgent, yet is surprisingly simple to prepare.
This recipe transforms everyday chicken breasts into a flavorful meal that your whole family will love. Forget bland, dry chicken; we’re talking about tender, juicy pieces infused with deliciousness. It’s perfect for those busy evenings when you want something homemade and wholesome without spending hours in the kitchen.
Healthy and Satisfying Weeknight Chicken Breast
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This recipe transforms everyday chicken breasts into a flavorful, tender, and juicy meal infused with deliciousness. It is perfect for busy evenings when you want something homemade and wholesome without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish is a true weeknight hero, perfect for anyone who wants to serve a delicious and healthy meal without a lot of fuss. It is ideal for busy parents, individuals looking for simple meal prep solutions, or anyone who just wants a comforting dinner after a long day.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. 1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning blend generously over both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing it gently to adhere. The chicken should be evenly coated in the vibrant spice mix.
2. 2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. You should hear a distinct sizzle when the chicken hits the hot oil.
3. 3. Cook Until Golden: Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust and is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165 F (74 C) when checked with a meat thermometer at the thickest part. The chicken will look opaque throughout.
4. 4. Remove and Rest: Once cooked, transfer the chicken breasts to a plate or cutting board. Tent them loosely with foil and let them rest for at least 5 minutes. This resting period is essential for the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and moist chicken.
5. 5. Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken rests, add the low-sodium chicken broth to the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. These bits are packed with flavor!
6. 6. Thicken the Sauce: In a small separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth to create a slurry. Bring the chicken broth to a gentle simmer. Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to whisk for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. It should be glossy and coat the back of a spoon. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed.
7. 7. Serve It Up: Slice the rested chicken breasts against the grain into thick pieces. Arrange the sliced chicken on plates and spoon the delicious, thickened sauce generously over the top. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if using, for a pop of color and freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: pan-seared
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
Keywords: chicken, healthy, weeknight, easy, dinner, quick, pan-seared, lean, comfort food, family-friendly
What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
This recipe is a true weeknight hero, perfect for anyone who wants to serve a delicious and healthy meal without a lot of fuss. It’s ideal for busy parents, individuals looking for simple meal prep solutions, or anyone who just wants a comforting dinner after a long day. What makes it so great? First, it uses readily available ingredients you likely already have in your pantry or can easily find at any grocery store. Second, it’s incredibly versatile; you can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your family’s preferences. Third, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy lean chicken breast, ensuring a high-protein, lower-fat meal that keeps you feeling full and satisfied. This dish is perfect for a casual family dinner, a cozy night in, or even as a make-ahead lunch for the next day. It delivers on flavor and health, making it a staple in any practical home cook’s repertoire.
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Gathering your ingredients for this healthy chicken dinner is straightforward, ensuring a smooth cooking process. This recipe focuses on fresh, simple components that come together to create a harmonious and delicious meal. You won’t need any obscure spices or specialty items, just good quality basics that deliver maximum flavor.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3-4 breasts)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
When selecting your chicken breasts, aim for pieces that are relatively uniform in thickness to ensure even cooking. If your chicken breasts are very thick, you might want to lightly pound them to about 3/4-inch thickness. For the olive oil, any good quality extra virgin olive oil will work well here. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme can be a good substitute. For a little extra kick, you could add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice blend. The low-sodium chicken broth helps control the overall salt content of the dish, but regular broth can be used if that’s what you have on hand – just be mindful of adding extra salt.
Time Needed From Start To Finish
This recipe is designed for efficiency, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights when time is of the essence. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you can get a delicious and healthy meal on the table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
These times are estimates and can vary slightly depending on how quickly you chop and measure, and the thickness of your chicken breasts. However, the overall process is very streamlined, allowing you to go from raw ingredients to a satisfying dinner in well under an hour.
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Creating this flavorful chicken dinner is a breeze with these clear, easy-to-follow steps. Pay attention to the visual cues to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked and juicy.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for getting a nice sear. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning blend generously over both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing it gently to adhere. The chicken should be evenly coated in the vibrant spice mix.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. You should hear a distinct sizzle when the chicken hits the hot oil.
- Cook Until Golden: Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust and is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer at the thickest part. The chicken will look opaque throughout.
- Remove and Rest: Once cooked, transfer the chicken breasts to a plate or cutting board. Tent them loosely with foil and let them rest for at least 5 minutes. This resting period is essential for the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and moist chicken.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken rests, add the low-sodium chicken broth to the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. These bits are packed with flavor! In a small separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth to create a slurry.
- Thicken the Sauce: Bring the chicken broth to a gentle simmer. Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to whisk for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. It should be glossy and coat the back of a spoon. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Serve It Up: Slice the rested chicken breasts against the grain into thick pieces. Arrange the sliced chicken on plates and spoon the delicious, thickened sauce generously over the top. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if using, for a pop of color and freshness.
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
This healthy chicken dinner is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adapt for different tastes and occasions. You can easily switch up the flavors or pair it with various sides to create a complete and satisfying meal.
For a kid-friendly twist, you can reduce the amount of paprika slightly if your children are sensitive to spices, or add a touch of honey to the sauce for a hint of sweetness. Serving the chicken sliced alongside a mild rice pilaf or mashed potatoes can also make it more appealing to younger palates.
To vary the flavor profile, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce at the very end for a bright, zesty finish. You could also stir in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for a more sophisticated, tangy kick. For a creamy sauce, a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese can be whisked in with the broth before thickening.
This chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, a simple garden salad, or fluffy quinoa are all excellent healthy options. For something heartier, serve it with brown rice, whole wheat pasta, or even a baked sweet potato. If you’re looking to turn this into a quick weeknight bowl, slice the chicken and serve it over a bed of mixed greens with some cherry tomatoes and a light vinaigrette.
For a party or buffet, slice the chicken into smaller, bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a platter with the sauce on the side for dipping. It makes for an elegant yet approachable offering. You could also add some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the sauce for added vegetables and texture.
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
Even simple recipes can have common pitfalls. Knowing what to watch out for can help you achieve perfect results every time with this healthy chicken dinner.
One frequent mistake is overcrowding the pan when searing the chicken. If you put too many chicken breasts in the skillet at once, the temperature of the pan drops significantly. This causes the chicken to steam rather than sear, resulting in a pale, rubbery texture instead of that desirable golden-brown crust. To avoid this, cook the chicken in batches, giving each piece enough space to brown properly.
Another common issue is overcooking the chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and can dry out quickly if cooked for too long. Always aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure. The moment it reaches that temperature, remove it from the heat. Remember, it will continue to cook slightly while resting.
Not resting the chicken after cooking is another slip-up. If you slice into the chicken immediately after taking it off the heat, all the delicious juices will run out, leaving you with dry meat. Tenting it loosely with foil and letting it rest for 5-10 minutes allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a tender and moist result.
Finally, not scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan when making the sauce is a missed opportunity for flavor. Those “fond” bits are packed with concentrated flavor. Deglazing the pan with
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.
