Chicken Breast with Veggies
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Delicious and healthy chicken breast with a colorful mix of veggies.
This chicken breast with veggies recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It's packed with flavor and nutrition, making it a go-to for anyone looking to eat healthily without sacrificing taste.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Tender chicken breast cooked to perfection
- Vibrant and nutritious vegetable medley
- Quick and easy to prepare for busy weeknights
A Balanced Meal in One Dish
This Chicken Breast with Veggies recipe is the epitome of a balanced meal. Each serving provides a generous portion of lean protein from the chicken breasts, while the colorful mix of vegetables ensures you’re getting essential vitamins and minerals. The variety of veggies, including bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots, not only adds a delightful crunch but also enhances the dish's nutritional profile. It's a fantastic way to incorporate more veggies into your diet without sacrificing flavor.
One of the best aspects of this dish is its versatility. You can easily swap out the mixed vegetables for whatever you have on hand or prefer. Zucchini, asparagus, or even a frozen vegetable blend can work beautifully. This adaptability makes it a perfect choice for busy weeknights when you want a wholesome meal without a lot of fuss.
Quick Cooking Tips
To maximize flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts for at least 30 minutes before cooking. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs can elevate the dish even further. If you’re short on time, seasoning right before cooking still yields delicious results. Remember, allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking will help retain its juices, making it even more tender.
When sautéing the vegetables, keep the heat at medium to avoid burning them. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. If you prefer your veggies with a bit more bite, you can sauté them for a shorter time. This will give a fresh and crisp texture that contrasts nicely with the tender chicken.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Breast with Veggies dish is delightful on its own, but you can enhance the meal by serving it with a side of quinoa or brown rice. These whole grains not only provide additional fiber but also help to make the meal more filling. A light dressing of balsamic vinaigrette drizzled over the veggies can also add an extra layer of flavor.
For a heartier meal, consider adding some roasted potatoes or a fresh garden salad on the side. These options complement the chicken and veggies beautifully while adding variety to your dinner plate. Don't forget to pair this dish with a refreshing beverage, such as iced tea or sparkling water with lemon, for a complete dining experience.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (for garnish)
Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor.
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Sauté the Veggies
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender.
Cook the Chicken
Push the veggies to one side of the skillet and add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Bake Everything Together
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Serve
Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Enjoy your healthy chicken breast with a side of veggies!
Nutritional Benefits
Chicken breasts are an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair. They are low in fat and high in nutrients, making them a great choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy diet. Coupled with a variety of vegetables, this meal becomes a powerhouse of nutrition, providing antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support overall health.
The mixed vegetables in this recipe bring a wealth of nutrients to the table. Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, while broccoli offers fiber and essential minerals. Carrots are high in beta-carotene, which is beneficial for eye health. Together, they create a colorful, nutrient-dense dish that promotes wellness.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This dish reheats well, making it a great option for meal prep. Simply pop it in the microwave for a couple of minutes, or reheat it on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken and veggies. Portion them into freezer-safe containers, and they can last for up to three months. To reheat frozen portions, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then heat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick and convenient meal.
Variations to Try
Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of this dish. Adding a pinch of paprika or Italian seasoning can introduce new dimensions to the taste. If you’re a fan of heat, consider sprinkling some red pepper flakes over the chicken while cooking for an extra kick.
You can also make this dish in a slow cooker for a hands-off approach. Simply combine the seasoned chicken and veggies in the slow cooker, and let them cook on low for 6-8 hours. This method will yield tender chicken that practically falls apart and flavorful veggies that soak up all the juices.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables work well. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly.
→ How do I know when the chicken is done?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
→ Can I marinate the chicken beforehand?
Absolutely! Marinating the chicken for a few hours can enhance the flavor.
→ What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
Chicken Breast with Veggies
Delicious and healthy chicken breast with a colorful mix of veggies.
Created by: Penelope Dawson
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (for garnish)
How-To Steps
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender.
Push the veggies to one side of the skillet and add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 30g