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One dish chicken breast recipes for dinner

Easy One Dish Chicken Breast Recipes for Dinner Tonight!

Imagine succulent chicken, infused with aromatic herbs and spices, nestled amongst vibrant vegetables, all basking in a harmonious blend of savory juices. The tender breast, yielding effortlessly to the fork, offers a delightful contrast to the slightly crisp, caramelized edges of accompanying potatoes and the soft bite of perfectly cooked peppers. Each mouthful is an exploration of textures and tastes, a symphony of flavors that dance across the palate.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Dishes
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4 people
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven: Required for baking the dish.
  • Large Baking Dish or Oven-Safe Skillet: A 9x13 inch baking dish or a similarly sized skillet provides ample space for the ingredients.
  • Large Bowl: Necessary for tossing the vegetables with the oil and seasonings.
  • Cutting Board: Used for safely chopping the vegetables and preparing the chicken.
  • Chef's Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for efficient vegetable preparation.
  • Garlic Press or Mincing Knife: Needed for mincing the garlic.
  • Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accurate measurement of ingredients.
  • Meat Thermometer: Essential for ensuring the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165F (74C).

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
  • 1 pound small red potatoes quartered
  • 1 red bell pepper cored and chopped
  • 1 yellow bell pepper cored and chopped
  • 1 medium red onion sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons dried Italian herbs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 lemon cut into wedges
  • Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400F (200C).
  • Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the quartered red potatoes, chopped bell peppers, and sliced red onion. Add the minced garlic, olive oil, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss thoroughly to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
  • Step 3: Arrange Vegetables in Baking Dish: Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer in a large baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
  • Step 4: Prepare Chicken Breasts: Lightly drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with additional salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian herbs.
  • Step 5: Place Chicken on Top of Vegetables: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the vegetables in the baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
  • Step 6: Add Chicken Broth: Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the baking dish. This will help keep the chicken moist during baking.
  • Step 7: Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165F (74C).
  • Step 8: Rest and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Squeeze fresh lemon juice from the lemon wedges over the chicken and vegetables. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.
  • Optional Tips and Substitutions: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vegetables. Other vegetables like zucchini, broccoli florets, or asparagus can be substituted or added. For a creamier sauce, stir in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard into the chicken broth before pouring it into the baking dish. If you don't have Italian herbs, use a combination of dried oregano, basil, and thyme.

Notes

Variations

This one-dish chicken breast recipe is highly adaptable. The following variations can be explored to suit different tastes and dietary needs:
  • Ingredient Swaps:
    • Vegetables: Substitute or add other vegetables such as broccoli florets, asparagus, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or green beans. Root vegetables like sweet potatoes or parsnips can also be used.
    • Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herb combinations, such as rosemary and thyme, or oregano and basil. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
    • Protein: Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • Regional Twists:
    • Mediterranean: Add Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice after baking.
    • Italian: Use a tomato-based sauce instead of chicken broth. Add sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil.
    • Mexican: Season the chicken and vegetables with chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole.
  • Dietary Adjustments:
    • Gluten-Free: Ensure all ingredients, including chicken broth and any sauces, are gluten-free.
    • Dairy-Free: Omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
    • Low-Carb: Increase the amount of vegetables and reduce or eliminate starchy vegetables like potatoes.

Serving Suggestions

This one-dish chicken breast recipe is a versatile meal suitable for various occasions:
  • Weeknight Dinner: Its simplicity and quick preparation time make it ideal for busy weeknights.
  • Weekend Lunch: Serve it as a satisfying and wholesome lunch option.
  • Casual Gatherings: Prepare a larger batch for potlucks or casual get-togethers.
  • Serving Companions:
    • A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful pan juices.
    • A simple green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
    • Quinoa or couscous can be served alongside for added carbohydrates.

Storage Tips

Proper storage ensures the dish remains fresh and safe for consumption:
  • Refrigeration: Allow the dish to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be safely stored for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat the dish in the oven at 350F (175C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until warmed.
  • Freezing: While not ideal due to potential changes in texture, the dish can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Question 1: Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, frozen chicken breasts can be used. Ensure they are completely thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent the vegetables from becoming overcooked.
  • Question 2: How do I prevent the chicken from drying out? Adding chicken broth to the baking dish helps keep the chicken moist during baking. Also, avoid overcooking the chicken. A meat thermometer is essential to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165F (74C) without becoming dry.
  • Question 3: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, the vegetables can be chopped and seasoned ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use. The chicken can also be seasoned in advance. However, it is best to assemble and bake the dish just before serving for optimal quality.
  • Question 4: What if I don’t have chicken broth? Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth. Alternatively, water with a bouillon cube can also be used.
Keyword Chicken, Comfort Food, Gluten-Free, Spring, Summer