Hey there, fellow home cooks! If you’re anything like me, you know that after a long day, the last thing you want is to stress over dinner. That’s why I absolutely love recipes that are not only easy but also comforting and delicious. This easy nice dinner recipe is a total lifesaver! It’s perfect for beginners because it requires minimal prep and is super straightforward. Just a few simple ingredients, and you’ll have a wholesome meal that feels like a warm hug. Trust me, once you try this chicken with veggies, you’ll find it’s a go-to for those busy weeknights. Let’s dive in and get cooking!
Ingredients
- 1 pound of chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil, extra virgin for the best flavor
- 1 teaspoon of salt, to bring out all the deliciousness
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, fresh ground if you have it
- 1 cup of broccoli florets, fresh or frozen works great!
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved for a burst of sweetness
- 1 cup of cooked rice, any variety you love—white, brown, or jasmine
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, for a hint of savory goodness
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, to complement the flavors
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven ready! Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your chicken cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden brown color. Just think of it as warming up before a workout—it helps everything cook better!
Prepare the Chicken
Now, let’s get to the good stuff! In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until it’s all combined. This flavorful mixture is what will make your chicken sing! Take your chicken breast and coat it nicely with this oil and spice blend. Make sure it’s well-covered, so every bite is packed with flavor!
Arrange Ingredients on the Baking Sheet
Grab a baking sheet and place your coated chicken in the center. Next, add the broccoli florets and halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken. Don’t crowd them too much; give them some space to roast nicely. This way, everything will caramelize beautifully and taste amazing. It’s all about that presentation, right?
Bake and Serve
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C)—a quick check with a meat thermometer will do the trick! Once done, serve the chicken and veggies over a bed of cooked rice for a complete meal. Drizzle any juices from the baking sheet over the top for extra flavor—yum!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—dinner is ready in just 40 minutes!
- Super easy with minimal ingredients, perfect for beginners.
- Healthy and packed with protein from the chicken and nutrients from the veggies.
- Flavorful spices that elevate the dish without overwhelming it.
- One-pan meal means less cleanup—win-win!
Tips for Success
Here are a few handy tips to ensure your dinner turns out perfectly! First, always check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety. If you’re not a fan of broccoli or cherry tomatoes, feel free to swap in your favorite veggies—zucchini or bell peppers work beautifully! And don’t forget, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking will help keep it juicy. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutrition for this easy nice dinner recipe—per serving, you’re looking at about 350 calories. It has 10g of fat, including 1.5g of saturated fat, and a hearty 30g of protein to keep you satisfied. With 40g of carbohydrates and 3g of fiber, it’s a balanced meal. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken breast?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before marinating and cooking. Frozen chicken might take a couple of extra minutes to bake through, so keep an eye on it.
What if I don’t have cherry tomatoes?
No worries at all! You can substitute them with diced bell peppers, zucchini, or any favorite vegetable you have on hand. This recipe is all about flexibility.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep everything in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before popping it in the oven.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It’s a fantastic option for meal prep. You can make a batch and portion it out for the week—just keep the rice separate to avoid it getting mushy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your delicious leftovers, simply transfer them to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or dinners later on! When you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. If you prefer the oven, you can reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes—this helps keep everything nice and crispy!
Print
Easy Nice Dinner Recipes for 2: Quick and Tasty Options
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for a comforting dinner that anyone can make.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 cup of broccoli florets
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup of cooked rice
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Coat the chicken breast with the oil mixture.
- Place the chicken on a baking sheet.
- Add the broccoli and cherry tomatoes around the chicken.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve the chicken and vegetables over the rice.
Notes
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature; it should be at least 165°F (75°C).
- You can substitute vegetables based on your preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: easy nice dinner recipes
