Easy Simple One Dish Chicken Bake with Veggies Recipes
This approachable baked chicken recipe offers a complete and satisfying meal prepared in a single dish. Featuring tender chicken and an assortment of vibrant vegetables, it presents a balanced combination of flavors and textures. The dish promises a comforting and wholesome culinary experience, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Meat Thermometer
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes scrubbed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pound carrots peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 cup broccoli florets
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the center of the oven for even cooking.
- Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly, ensuring the vegetables are well-seasoned.
- Step 3: Arrange the Chicken and Vegetables: Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange the chicken pieces evenly over the vegetables, nestling them in between the potato and carrot pieces to ensure they cook thoroughly.
- Step 4: Bake the Dish: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. If using, add broccoli florets during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Step 5: Check for Doneness: Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165F (74C). The vegetables should be easily pierced with a fork. If the chicken is browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Step 6: Rest and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish. Serve hot and enjoy!
- Optional: For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the dish before serving. Sweet potatoes can be substituted for Yukon gold potatoes for a sweeter flavor profile.
Notes
Variations
The recipe for a simple one-dish chicken bake with vegetables lends itself to numerous adaptations, catering to diverse tastes and dietary requirements:
- Ingredient Swaps:
- Protein: Chicken can be replaced with turkey, sausage, tofu, or chickpeas for vegetarian versions.
- Vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, sweet potatoes, or green beans can be substituted or added.
- Herbs: Experiment with different herb combinations like Italian seasoning, Herbs de Provence, or Cajun spices.
- Regional Twists:
- Mediterranean: Add olives, feta cheese, lemon slices, and oregano for a Mediterranean flair.
- Mexican: Incorporate corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Asian: Use soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and add stir-fry vegetables like bok choy or snap peas.
- Dietary Adjustments:
- Low-Carb: Substitute cauliflower florets for potatoes and increase the quantity of other low-carb vegetables.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure all seasonings and ingredients are gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Omit any cheese or dairy-based ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
A simple one-dish chicken bake with vegetables serves as a complete and satisfying meal. It is appropriate for both casual weeknight dinners and more formal gatherings. Consider the following serving suggestions:
- Serve hot, directly from the baking dish, for a rustic presentation.
- Accompany with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for added visual appeal and flavor.
Storage Tips
Proper storage ensures the preservation of flavor and texture. Follow these guidelines for storing leftover chicken bake:
- Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate promptly within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
- The chicken bake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Question 1: Can I use frozen vegetables? Answer: Frozen vegetables can be used; however, it is recommended to thaw them slightly and pat them dry before adding them to the dish to prevent excess moisture.
- Question 2: How do I prevent the chicken from drying out? Answer: Basting the chicken with pan juices during cooking or covering the dish loosely with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes of baking can help retain moisture.
- Question 3: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Answer: The vegetables can be chopped and seasoned in advance. However, it is recommended to add the chicken just before baking to prevent it from becoming dry.
- Question 4: What is the best way to reheat leftovers? Answer: Leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 350F (175C) until warmed through or in the microwave. Adding a splash of broth or water during reheating can help retain moisture.