There’s something incredibly satisfying about a home-cooked meal that comes together in just 20 minutes, especially on busy weeknights. After a long day of work, school, or running errands, the last thing anyone wants is to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where this One-Pan Chicken and Veggies dish comes in. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for beginners who want to build confidence in the kitchen without stress.
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20-Minute One-Pan Chicken and Veggies: A Beginner’s Guide to a Quick, Nutritious Meal
Creamy, tangy feta melts into roasted broccoli and perfectly cooked pasta for a rich, flavorful dish! This easy, one-pan meal is the ultimate comfort food with a nutritious twist! 🧀🥦🍝✨
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), chopped
- 1 small zucchini or yellow squash, chopped
- ½ red onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them cook for 4-5 minutes without stirring to allow a golden-brown crust to form. Afterward, flip the chicken and cook for another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked. The chicken should be firm to the touch and no longer pink in the center. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add the chopped bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion. Stir occasionally and let them cook for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften. If the vegetables are cooking too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Tomatoes
Once the vegetables have softened slightly, add the minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. The garlic should be fragrant, and the tomatoes should start to soften.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix everything together. Let it cook for 1-2 more minutes, allowing the flavors to blend. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If you prefer a bit more spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top for a burst of freshness. Serve hot as is, or pair with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- How to Know When Chicken is Cooked: Cut a piece in half to check if it is fully white inside with no pink. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: If the pan is too crowded, the chicken and vegetables will steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Adjusting Texture: If you like your vegetables crunchier, cook them for less time. If you prefer them softer, let them cook a little longer.
- Using Frozen Vegetables: If fresh vegetables aren’t available, frozen ones work too. Just be sure to thaw and drain excess water before cooking.
- Substituting Ingredients: This recipe is versatile. Try using mushrooms, broccoli, or snap peas in place of other vegetables. Chicken can also be swapped for beef strips or tofu for a plant-based option.
- Saving Time: If you’re short on time, buy pre-chopped vegetables and pre-minced garlic to speed up prep work.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
I remember the first time I tried cooking dinner from scratch. The number of ingredients, steps, and cookware involved felt overwhelming. But over time, I realized that the best meals don’t have to be complicated. They just need fresh ingredients, simple seasoning, and an easy cooking method. This recipe is proof of that. Everything cooks in one pan, which means less mess and faster cleanup. The chicken is juicy, the vegetables are vibrant, and the flavors are well-balanced with a blend of herbs and spices.
What makes this recipe even better is its flexibility. You can swap vegetables based on what you have on hand, adjust seasonings to your preference, and serve it with different sides. It’s a great way to start cooking healthy meals at home without feeling intimidated. Whether you are a complete beginner or just looking for a reliable weeknight meal, this one-pan dish is a game-changer.
Ingredients and Preparation
Before getting started, it’s important to gather and prep all the ingredients. This ensures a smooth cooking process and helps avoid any last-minute scrambling.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), chopped
- 1 small zucchini or yellow squash, chopped
- ½ red onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Preparation Steps
- Wash and chop all vegetables into even-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly.
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Drying the chicken helps it develop a better sear when cooked.
- In a bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to ensure the seasoning coats the chicken evenly.
- Set all ingredients aside so they are ready to go when you start cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking this dish is simple and requires just one large skillet or pan. Follow these easy steps to achieve a perfectly cooked meal.
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them cook for 4-5 minutes without stirring to allow a golden-brown crust to form. Afterward, flip the chicken and cook for another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked. The chicken should be firm to the touch and no longer pink in the center. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add the chopped bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion. Stir occasionally and let them cook for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften. If the vegetables are cooking too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Tomatoes
Once the vegetables have softened slightly, add the minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. The garlic should be fragrant, and the tomatoes should start to soften.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix everything together. Let it cook for 1-2 more minutes, allowing the flavors to blend. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If you prefer a bit more spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top for a burst of freshness. Serve hot as is, or pair with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Beginner Tips and Notes
Cooking should be enjoyable, not stressful. Here are some helpful tips to make this recipe foolproof.
- How to Know When Chicken is Cooked: Cut a piece in half to check if it is fully white inside with no pink. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: If the pan is too crowded, the chicken and vegetables will steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Adjusting Texture: If you like your vegetables crunchier, cook them for less time. If you prefer them softer, let them cook a little longer.
- Using Frozen Vegetables: If fresh vegetables aren’t available, frozen ones work too. Just be sure to thaw and drain excess water before cooking.
- Substituting Ingredients: This recipe is versatile. Try using mushrooms, broccoli, or snap peas in place of other vegetables. Chicken can also be swapped for beef strips or tofu for a plant-based option.
- Saving Time: If you’re short on time, buy pre-chopped vegetables and pre-minced garlic to speed up prep work.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is delicious on its own, but pairing it with complementary sides can elevate the meal. Here are a few ideas:
- Grains: Serve over a bed of cooked rice, quinoa, or couscous for a heartier meal.
- Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any juices left in the pan.
- Pasta: Mix the cooked chicken and veggies with pasta for an easy, well-balanced pasta dish.
- Dips and Sauces: A drizzle of balsamic glaze, a squeeze of fresh lemon, or a dollop of tzatziki or hummus can enhance the flavors.
- Cheese Topping: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or feta cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for a quick meal. This dish also works well for meal prep, as the flavors continue to develop over time.
Engagement Features
Cooking should feel like an interactive and rewarding experience. This recipe is designed to make beginners feel confident in the kitchen. If you try this dish, consider experimenting with different vegetable combinations or adding your favorite spices to make it your own.
Have you made this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below. Did you use a different seasoning mix or try a new vegetable? I’d love to hear how you made this dish work for you. Cooking is all about creativity and personal preference, so don’t be afraid to put your own twist on it.
If you’re looking for more beginner-friendly recipes, stay tuned for more simple and delicious meals. Whether you’re just starting your cooking journey or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this One-Pan Chicken and Veggies recipe is a must-try. Enjoy your meal and happy cooking!