Go Back
Baked one dish chicken breast recipes

Easy Baked One Dish Chicken Breast Recipes: Quick & Delicious

Imagine tender, juicy chicken, infused with vibrant herbs and spices, nestled amongst a medley of perfectly cooked vegetables. Each bite offers a symphony of flavors, where the savory chicken melds seamlessly with the sweetness of roasted peppers, the earthiness of potatoes, and the subtle tang of tomatoes. The aroma alone is enough to evoke a sense of comforting warmth, promising a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dinner, Main Dishes
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Meat Thermometer
  • Oven mitts
  • Variations

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
  • 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 large red onion cut into wedges
  • 2 bell peppers any color, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 lemon sliced (optional)
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400F (200C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the middle.
  • Step 2: Prepare Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the cubed potatoes, red onion wedges, and bell pepper pieces. Add the minced garlic, olive oil, Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly, ensuring the vegetables are well-seasoned.
  • Step 3: Arrange in Baking Dish: Spread the seasoned vegetables evenly in a single layer in a large baking dish (approximately 9x13 inches). This ensures uniform cooking and prevents overcrowding.
  • Step 4: Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on top of the vegetables, spacing them evenly. If desired, arrange lemon slices on top of each chicken breast for added flavor and moisture.
  • Step 5: Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165F or 74C) and the vegetables are tender. The exact baking time depends on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
  • Step 6: Rest and Garnish: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken, resulting in a more tender and flavorful result. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for added freshness.
  • Optional Tips: For extra browning, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Substitute other vegetables as desired, such as broccoli florets, zucchini, or carrots. If the vegetables begin to brown too quickly, cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil.

Notes

Variations

Baked one-dish chicken breast recipes lend themselves well to a multitude of variations, allowing for customization based on preference, dietary requirements, and available ingredients.
  • Ingredient Swaps: Substitute the Yukon Gold potatoes with sweet potatoes for a lower glycemic index option. Bell peppers can be replaced with other vegetables such as zucchini, squash, or broccoli florets. Other protein sources, such as bone-in chicken thighs, can replace the chicken breast, and can create richer flavor profile.
  • Regional Twists:
    • Mediterranean: Incorporate Kalamata olives, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and a generous drizzle of olive oil for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
    • Tex-Mex: Add corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, and cumin for a Tex-Mex twist. Top with shredded cheddar cheese during the last few minutes of baking.
    • Asian: Use soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and a touch of honey for an Asian-inspired marinade. Consider adding bok choy or snap peas to the vegetables.
  • Dietary Adjustments:
    • Gluten-Free: Ensure all ingredients, especially herbs and spices, are certified gluten-free.
    • Low-Carb/Keto: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets or radishes. Increase the amount of non-starchy vegetables.
    • Dairy-Free: Omit any dairy-based ingredients and use olive oil or a dairy-free alternative.

Serving Suggestions

This dish offers versatility in its serving options. It is suitable for both casual weeknight dinners and more formal gatherings.
  • Serve hot directly from the baking dish, family-style, allowing guests to help themselves.
  • Pair with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to add freshness and acidity.
  • Serve over a bed of quinoa or rice to absorb the flavorful pan juices.
  • Accompany with crusty bread for dipping into the savory sauce.
  • Can be prepared as a component of a meal prep plan, providing ready-to-eat portions for lunches or future dinners.

Storage Tips

Proper storage is key to preserving the freshness and extending the shelf life of the baked chicken and vegetables.
  • Allow the dish to cool completely before storing it. Transfer to an airtight container.
  • Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
  • For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  • Reheat in the oven at 350F (175C) until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave. When reheating, ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F (74C).

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Question 1: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
    Answer: It is recommended to use thawed chicken breasts for even cooking. If using frozen chicken, ensure it is fully thawed before baking. Baking time may need to be increased.
  • Question 2: How can I prevent the chicken from drying out?
    Answer: Ensure the chicken breasts are evenly sized for uniform cooking. Marinating the chicken beforehand and avoiding overcooking can also help prevent dryness. Covering the baking dish with foil during the initial baking period and removing it during the last 15 minutes also assists in retaining moisture.
  • Question 3: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
    Answer: The vegetables can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. However, it is best to bake the dish just before serving to ensure optimal flavor and texture.
  • Question 4: What if my vegetables are not cooking as quickly as the chicken?
    Answer: Cut the vegetables into smaller pieces. If this does not fix the issue, you can parboil the vegetables before adding them to the baking dish to give them a head start.
Keyword Chicken, Comfort Food, Fall, Gluten-Free, Winter