Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re anything like me, you know that after a long day, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s why I’m absolutely thrilled to share this recipe for a super simple, delicious dish that’s perfect for easy weeknight dinners! Trust me, this one is a lifesaver, especially if you’re new to cooking or just want something quick and satisfying. With only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a flavorful meal ready in no time. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with whatever veggies you have on hand. Let’s dive in and make weeknight dinners a breeze!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced: Make sure to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- 2 cups mixed vegetables: You can use fresh or frozen—think carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers! Just chop them up if they’re fresh.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This will help cook the chicken and veggies while adding a lovely flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A quick way to infuse garlic flavor without the fuss of fresh garlic.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a hint of sweetness and depth to your dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t skip this! Seasoning is key to bringing out all the flavors.
- 1 cup cooked rice: You can use white, brown, or even cauliflower rice to keep it lighter. Just make sure it’s ready to go!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Trust me, it’s easier than you think!
Step 1: Heat the Skillet
First things first, grab a large skillet and pour in the olive oil. Turn the heat to medium and let it warm up for about 2 minutes. Preheating the skillet is super important because it helps the chicken cook evenly and get that nice, golden color. You’ll hear it sizzle when it’s ready!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Now, it’s time to add the diced chicken to the skillet. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper right on top. Stir everything together to make sure the chicken is well-coated in those yummy seasonings. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. You want it to be golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer if you have one—it’s a handy tool!
Step 3: Add Mixed Vegetables
Once the chicken is cooked, toss in your mixed vegetables. Stir them in gently, making sure they get evenly distributed. Cook everything together for another 5 minutes, or until the veggies are tender but still have a bit of crunch. You’ll love the bright colors and fresh smells wafting from the pan!
Step 4: Serve Over Rice
Finally, it’s time to plate up! Grab your cooked rice and scoop a generous amount onto each plate. Top it with the chicken and veggie mixture, and don’t be shy—get all those beautiful bits on there! For a little flair, you can sprinkle some extra salt and pepper or even a drizzle of soy sauce on top. Enjoy your easy weeknight dinner with a satisfied smile!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking, you’ll have dinner on the table in about 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic and onion powders with juicy chicken and fresh veggies creates a mouthwatering dish that everyone will love.
- Nutritionally Balanced: Packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the mixed veggies, this meal is both satisfying and nourishing.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand, making this recipe versatile and adaptable to your taste!
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to relax after dinner. Everything cooks in the same skillet—what’s not to love?
- Kid-Friendly: This dish is sure to please picky eaters with its colorful ingredients and tasty flavors.
Tips for Success
Here are some handy tips to ensure your easy weeknight dinner turns out perfectly every time! First, don’t rush the preheating step; a hot skillet is key for that delicious sear on the chicken. If you’re using frozen mixed vegetables, add them straight from the freezer to avoid extra moisture in the pan, which can make everything soggy. Also, remember to taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning to your liking, and don’t be afraid to add a splash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of your favorite herbs for extra flavor. Finally, if you find the chicken isn’t browning as much as you’d like, try cooking it in smaller batches—this helps it cook evenly. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for one serving of this delightful dish. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 25g
This meal is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it’s also packed with protein and nutrients, making it a wonderfully balanced option for your weeknight dinners!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute the chicken for another protein?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, tofu is a great substitute. Just make sure to press it to remove excess moisture before dicing. You can also use shrimp or beef if that’s more your style—just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What if I don’t have mixed vegetables on hand?
Don’t worry! You can use whatever vegetables you have in your fridge. Zucchini, snap peas, or even frozen corn work beautifully. The key is to keep the cooking time in mind so everything is tender but not mushy.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the chicken and veggies in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat them in the skillet and serve over fresh rice. It’s a great way to save time during your busy week!
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish is perfect on its own, but you can also pair it with a side salad or some steamed dumplings for a heartier meal. If you want to elevate your plate, a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a drizzle of soy sauce can add that extra touch!
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave or warm it up in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist. Enjoy your easy weeknight dinner again!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from this easy weeknight dinner is a breeze! Once your chicken and veggies have cooled down, transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to label it with the date so you know when to enjoy it again!
When you’re ready to dive back into your delicious meal, reheating is super simple. You can either pop it in the microwave for a quick warm-up—just cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to retain moisture. Heat it in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until it’s heated through.
If you prefer using the stovetop, heat a small skillet over low to medium heat. Add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to keep it from drying out, then add your leftovers. Stir occasionally until everything is warmed up and ready to enjoy again. This method helps maintain the flavor and texture of your dish, making it just as tasty as the first time around!
For more tips on meal prep and storage, you can check out this guide on food safety.
For more easy dinner ideas, visit this casserole recipe or these chicken dinner ideas.
Print
Easy Weeknight Dinners: 5 Steps to Delicious Meals
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for easy weeknight dinners that anyone can make.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, broccoli, bell peppers)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cooked rice
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked.
- Add mixed vegetables to the skillet and stir well.
- Cook for another 5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Serve over cooked rice.
Notes
- Make sure chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- You can use frozen vegetables for convenience.
- Feel free to substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: easy weeknight dinners
