If you’re looking for a simple and healthy dinner recipe, this chicken dish is just what you need! Seriously, it’s so easy that even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you can whip this up without a hitch. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have juicy chicken breasts paired with vibrant broccoli and carrots, all roasted to perfection. Plus, this recipe is not just quick to prepare; it’s also packed with flavor and nutrition, making it one of my go-to healthy dinner recipes with chicken. Trust me, you’ll love how effortless it is to create a wholesome meal that tastes fantastic. Let’s dive right into the ingredients and get cooking!
Ingredients List
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – These are your main protein source, juicy and tender when cooked right!
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil – This adds a lovely richness and helps the seasonings stick to the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – A must-have for that delicious garlicky flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – This gives a subtle smokiness and a beautiful color to your dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for bringing out all those wonderful flavors! Don’t be shy!
- 1 cup broccoli florets – Fresh and vibrant, broccoli adds a nice crunch and is packed with nutrients.
- 1 cup sliced carrots – Sweet and colorful, they not only add flavor but also make the dish visually appealing.
- 1 lemon, juiced – The acidity from the lemon brightens everything up, balancing the richness of the chicken!
How to Prepare Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Chicken
First things first, let’s get that oven nice and toasty! Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). While that’s warming up, grab your chicken breasts and pat them dry with a paper towel. This step is super important because it helps the seasoning stick and ensures a nice sear. Once they’re dry, drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and rub it in like you mean it! Now, sprinkle that garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper all over both sides of the chicken. Trust me, this is where the flavor magic happens!
Arranging the Vegetables
Now, let’s talk veggies! Take a baking sheet and lay the seasoned chicken right in the center. Next, it’s time to arrange those gorgeous broccoli florets and sliced carrots around the chicken. Make sure the veggies are fresh—this not only makes the dish taste better but also adds a beautiful pop of color. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can toss in some bell peppers or zucchini for even more flavor and nutrition!
Baking the Dish
Alright, it’s time to bake! Slide that baking sheet into your preheated oven and let it work its magic 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 tip: don’t overcook the chicken; you want it juicy and tender! If you have a meat thermometer, now’s the time to use it to check doneness.
Serving Suggestions
Once the timer goes off, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This allows all those delicious juices to redistribute, making every bite extra succulent! Plate it up with the colorful veggies, and maybe drizzle a little extra lemon juice on top for an added zing. You could even serve it with a side of brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal. Enjoy your lovely, healthy dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Healthy and nutritious, packed with lean protein and vibrant veggies.
- Full of flavor, thanks to simple seasonings that elevate the chicken.
- Suitable for beginners, with straightforward steps that anyone can follow.
- Versatile—feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables!
Tips for Success
Here are some pro tips to ensure your chicken dinner turns out perfectly every time! First, be careful not to overcook the chicken; keeping it juicy is key! Use a meat thermometer to check for that 165°F (75°C) mark—it’s a game changer! Also, don’t skimp on the seasoning; a good sprinkle of salt and pepper makes all the difference in flavor. If you want to experiment, feel free to try out different herbs and spices—Italian seasoning or a dash of cayenne can add a fun twist! Lastly, make sure your veggies are evenly cut for consistent cooking; this helps everything roast beautifully together. Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), let the chicken and veggies cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your meal again, simply reheat in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. If you prefer, you can also warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, just make sure to cover it to keep everything nice and moist. Enjoy your tasty leftovers!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads up, the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but here’s a general breakdown for one serving of this healthy chicken dinner:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 100mg
This meal is not only delicious but also a great option if you’re looking to keep things healthy while still being satisfying!
FAQ Section
Can I use different proteins instead of chicken? Absolutely! You can swap chicken for turkey breasts or even fish like salmon for a different flavor. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly since fish cooks faster.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe? Yes! You can replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Just cube them and follow the same seasoning and baking instructions to get a deliciously healthy meal.
How do I store leftovers? Let the chicken and veggies cool down, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave or skillet when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I add more vegetables? Definitely! Feel free to toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or even asparagus for added flavor and nutrients. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.
What if I don’t have a meat thermometer? No worries! Just cut into the chicken—if the juices run clear and there’s no pink inside, it’s cooked through and safe to eat!
Print
Healthy Dinner Recipes Chicken: 5 Steps to Success!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A simple and healthy chicken dinner recipe that anyone can make.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 lemon, for juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
- Rub olive oil over the chicken.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides of the chicken.
- Place the chicken on a baking sheet.
- Arrange broccoli and carrots around the chicken.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the chicken and vegetables.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Healthy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: healthy dinner recipes chicken
