Easy One-Pan Chicken and Veggies—A Weeknight Favorite!
Looking for the perfect **one-pan chicken and vegetables** recipe that saves time and creates minimal cleanup? This easy weeknight dinner combines juicy chicken with colorful vegetables, all cooked together on a single sheet pan for maximum flavor and convenience.
Why Choose One-Pan Chicken and Veggies?
**One-pan chicken dinners** have become incredibly popular among busy families, and for good reason. This cooking method delivers restaurant-quality meals with minimal effort and cleanup. The combination of protein and vegetables in one dish makes it a complete, nutritious meal that everyone will love.
The beauty of **sheet pan chicken recipes** lies in their simplicity. Everything cooks together, allowing the flavors to blend perfectly while you focus on other tasks. Plus, with only one pan to clean, you'll spend less time in the kitchen and more time with family.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect One-Pan Chicken
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Vegetables:
- 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
- 1 large sweet potato, cubed
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preparation (5 minutes)
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C)
2. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup
3. Pat chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and rosemary
Assembly (10 minutes)
1. Place seasoned chicken on one side of the prepared sheet pan
2. Arrange all vegetables around the chicken, ensuring even spacing
3. Drizzle everything with olive oil and toss vegetables to coat
4. Season vegetables with additional salt and pepper
Cooking (25-30 minutes)
1. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F
2. Vegetables should be tender and slightly caramelized
3. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving
Pro Tips for the Best One-Pan Chicken Dinner
**Choose the right vegetables**: Root vegetables like potatoes and carrots take longer to cook, so cut them smaller or give them a 10-minute head start in the oven.
**Don't overcrowd**: Use a large sheet pan to ensure proper air circulation. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting.
**Temperature matters**: A hot oven (425°F) creates the perfect caramelization on both chicken and vegetables.
**Season generously. Don't be shy with seasonings. The large surface area needs adequate flavor throughout.
Customization Ideas
This **easy chicken and vegetables recipe** is incredibly versatile. Try these variations:
- **Mediterranean style**: Add cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and oregano
- **Fall harvest**: Use butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and sage
- **Spicy version**: Include jalapeños and chili powder
- **Italian inspired**: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, and Italian seasoning
Meal Prep and Storage
**One-pan meals** are perfect for meal prep. This recipe serves 4 people and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Divide into containers with equal portions of chicken and vegetables for grab-and-go lunches.
For freezing, store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F for best results.
Nutritional Benefits
This **healthy chicken dinner** provides complete nutrition in one dish. Chicken offers high-quality protein, while the variety of vegetables delivers essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The olive oil provides healthy fats, making this a well-balanced meal.
Why This Recipe Works Every Time
The secret to this **weeknight chicken dinner** success lies in the cooking technique. By roasting everything together, the chicken juices flavor the vegetables while the vegetables keep the chicken moist. The high heat creates beautiful caramelization without drying out the protein.
Conclusion
This **easy one-pan chicken and veggies** recipe proves that delicious, healthy dinners don't have to be complicated. With simple ingredients, minimal prep time, and easy cleanup, it's no wonder this has become a weeknight favorite for families everywhere.
Whether you're a busy parent, a working professional, or someone who simply loves good food without the fuss, this **one-pan chicken recipe** delivers every time. The combination of convenience, flavor, and nutrition makes it a perfect addition to your regular dinner rotation.
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