Healthy dinner recipes with chicken are my go-to for busy weeknights! They’re not only simple to whip up, but they’re packed with flavor and nutrition too. I remember the first time I made a baked chicken dish; I was a little nervous, but I was blown away by how juicy and delicious it turned out! Chicken is so versatile; you can really play with spices and veggies to keep things exciting. Plus, it’s an excellent source of lean protein, keeping my family satisfied without weighing us down. Trust me, once you try this easy recipe, it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin for the best flavor
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, for that aromatic kick
- 1 teaspoon onion powder, adding a subtle sweetness
- Salt and pepper to taste, don’t be shy!
- 1 lemon, juiced, for a zesty finish
How to Prepare Healthy Dinner Recipes Chicken
- First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is so important because a hot oven helps the chicken cook evenly and gives it that lovely golden color.
- While the oven is warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until it’s all mixed together. This is where the magic starts!
- Next, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces into the bowl, coating them evenly with that delicious seasoning mixture. Make sure every piece is well covered—it makes all the difference!
- Now, arrange the coated chicken on a baking sheet. Spread it out nicely so they’re not crowded; this helps everything cook properly.
- Let’s add some color! Scatter the broccoli florets and sliced bell peppers around the chicken. It’s like a beautiful veggie bouquet!
- Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over everything—it really brightens up the flavor.
- Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Once it’s out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This step helps keep the chicken juicy!
Nutritional Information
When you’re diving into these healthy dinner recipes with chicken, you’ll be pleased to know that they pack a nutritious punch! Each serving of this delightful dish contains approximately 300 calories, which is fantastic for a wholesome meal. You’ll get around 10 grams of fat, with only 2 grams of saturated fat, making it a heart-friendly option. Plus, you’re looking at about 30 grams of protein—perfect for keeping you full and satisfied! With just 15 grams of carbohydrates and 5 grams of fiber, this meal is balanced and delicious. Just remember, these values are estimates, but they give you a great idea of how healthy this dish really is!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time—ready in just 40 minutes!
- Packed with healthy ingredients, perfect for a nutritious dinner.
- Deliciously seasoned chicken bursting with flavor.
- Colorful veggies that make your plate pop!
- Great for meal prep, so you can enjoy leftovers.
Tips for Success
To really nail this healthy chicken dinner, make sure your chicken is fully cooked by using a meat thermometer—165°F (75°C) is the magic number! Don’t forget to season generously; it elevates the flavors and makes a world of difference. Feel free to get creative with your spices—add some paprika for a smoky kick or a sprinkle of Italian herbs for a fresh twist. If you want to amp up the veggie game, consider adding zucchini or carrots alongside the broccoli and bell peppers. And remember, letting the chicken rest after baking helps keep it juicy and tender—trust me on this one!
Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up, there are so many delicious variations you can try! For starters, switch out the chicken for turkey—it’s just as lean and equally delicious. You can also experiment with different vegetables; think asparagus, green beans, or even sweet potatoes for a hearty twist! If you’re in the mood for a flavor boost, toss in some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, or add a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat. Feeling adventurous? Try a teriyaki glaze instead of lemon juice for an Asian-inspired flair. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this recipe so fun!
Serving Suggestions
This healthy chicken dish pairs beautifully with a side of quinoa or brown rice for a wholesome grain option. You can also serve it alongside a light salad drizzled with a simple vinaigrette to brighten up your meal. Don’t forget a slice of crusty whole-grain bread to soak up all those delicious flavors!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftovers properly is key to enjoying this healthy chicken dish later! Once it’s cooled down, transfer any uneaten portions to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay good for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months—just make sure to label the container with the date!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the oven to maintain that juicy texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use the microwave for convenience, but be sure to cover it to keep it moist. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
For more information on the health benefits of chicken, you can check out this Healthline article.
If you’re looking for more delicious chicken recipes, try this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta recipe!
For a great side dish, consider making Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Casserole to complement your meal.
Print
Healthy Dinner Recipes Chicken That Comfort Your Soul
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A collection of healthy dinner recipes featuring chicken.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, juiced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken breast to the bowl and coat evenly.
- Place chicken on a baking sheet.
- Add broccoli and bell peppers around the chicken.
- Drizzle lemon juice over the chicken and vegetables.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Substitute chicken with turkey for variety.
- Use any seasonal vegetables.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: healthy dinner recipes chicken
