Dinner Easy Chicken: 7 Reasons You’ll Love This Dish

Name: Dinner Easy Chicken: 7 Reasons You’ll Love This Dish
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken fillet; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 cup cherry tomatoes

By:

Christina R. Jones

July 23, 2025

This post may contain affiliate links learn more

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Hey there, fellow home cooks! If you’re looking for an effortless dinner that’s quick to whip up, let me introduce you to my go-to easy chicken recipe. This dish has become one of my favorites because it’s not just simple; it’s also incredibly delicious and colorful! Picture juicy chicken fillets, perfectly seasoned with garlic powder and paprika, surrounded by vibrant broccoli florets and sweet cherry tomatoes. The best part? You can have this meal ready in about 40 minutes from start to finish! Just toss everything together, bake it, and voilà! Dinner is served. Trust me, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, and it’s healthy to boot. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking!

dinner easy chicken - detail 1

Ingredients List

Let’s gather everything you’ll need for this delightful easy chicken dinner! Here’s a straightforward list to make sure you have all your bases covered:

1 lb chicken fillet: This is your main protein. Look for tender, boneless fillets for a quick cook time.
2 tbsp olive oil: This adds richness and helps the spices stick to your chicken. Plus, it keeps everything nice and moist!
1 tsp garlic powder: For that savory kick! It’s a quick way to infuse the chicken with flavor.
1 tsp paprika: This gives a warm color and a subtle smokiness that elevates the dish.
1 tsp salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors. Adjust this to your taste if you’re watching your sodium!
1/2 tsp black pepper: A dash of pepper adds just the right amount of heat.
1 cup broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen, these little green gems add a lovely crunch and health benefits!
1 cup cherry tomatoes: Sweet, juicy, and colorful – they burst with flavor when roasted!

With these simple ingredients, you’re all set to create a mouthwatering meal that’s as easy as it is satisfying! Let’s get ready to cook!

How to Prepare Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of preparing this mouthwatering easy chicken dinner! I promise, it’s a breeze and you’ll feel like a kitchen superstar in no time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in 40 minutes!

Step-by-Step Guide

Preheat your oven: First things first, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is super important because a hot oven ensures that your chicken cooks perfectly while keeping it juicy!
Mix the seasoning: Grab a medium-sized bowl and combine the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir it all together until it’s well-blended. This mixture is going to be the magic that flavors your chicken!
Coat the chicken: Now, take your chicken fillets and place them in the bowl with the seasoning mix. Use your hands (don’t be shy!) to coat the chicken evenly with the mixture. Make sure every inch is covered because that’s where all the flavor comes from!
Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. This step is crucial because nobody likes a chicken fiasco when it comes time to serve!
Arrange the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re spaced out a bit – you don’t want them crowded because we want them to roast properly!
Add the veggies: Scatter the broccoli florets and cherry tomatoes around the chicken on the baking sheet. They’ll roast alongside the chicken and soak up all those delicious flavors. Plus, they’ll add a pop of color to your dish!
Bake away: Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C) and the veggies are tender but still vibrant.
Rest before serving: Once the timer goes off, take the baking sheet out of the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This step is key because it allows the juices to redistribute, making your chicken even juicier when you cut into it!

And there you have it! With these simple steps, you’ve just created a fantastic easy chicken dinner that’s not only satisfying but also healthy. I can’t wait for you to dig in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy chicken dinner is not just simple; it’s packed with benefits that make it a must-try for anyone looking to whip up a delicious meal without the fuss. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love this recipe:

Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can get everything ready to pop in the oven. Perfect for busy weeknights!
One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together on one baking sheet, which means less cleanup for you afterward. Who doesn’t love that?
Healthy & Nutritious: This dish is filled with lean protein from the chicken and vibrant veggies like broccoli and cherry tomatoes, making it a wholesome choice for dinner.
Customizable: Feel free to switch up the vegetables or spices to suit your taste. Add some bell peppers or zucchini for variety!
Flavorful & Satisfying: The combination of garlic, paprika, and crispy veggies creates a deliciously satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Trust me, once you try this easy chicken dinner, it’ll become a regular in your meal rotation! You’ll love how simple and delicious it is!

Tips for Success

Before you dive into making this easy chicken dinner, let me share some practical tips to ensure everything turns out perfectly! With a few simple tricks, you’ll be on your way to a mouthwatering meal that impresses everyone.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh chicken and veggies. This makes a huge difference in flavor and texture. Fresh ingredients give your dish that vibrant taste that frozen or older items just can’t match.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: I know it’s tempting to dig right in, but letting the chicken rest for those 5 minutes after baking is essential. It locks in the juices, making your chicken moist and tender.
Check Your Oven Temperature: Every oven is a little different, so it’s a good idea to use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s accurately preheated. This way, your chicken will cook evenly and you won’t have any surprises!
Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to play around with the spices! If you love a bit of heat, add some cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix. Or try adding Italian herbs for a different flavor profile!
Cut Chicken to Even Sizes: If your chicken fillets are uneven in thickness, consider pounding them to an even size before seasoning. This helps them cook uniformly, ensuring everything is perfectly done at the same time.
Prep Ahead: For those busy nights, you can prep everything in advance! Season your chicken and chop your veggies earlier in the day, then just toss them in the oven when you’re ready for dinner. It’s a real time-saver!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be set for success in the kitchen. Happy cooking!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to switch things up a bit, there are so many fun ways to customize this easy chicken dinner! Here are some delicious variations to try:

Veggie Swap: Don’t have broccoli or cherry tomatoes on hand? No problem! You can use any of your favorite veggies. Bell peppers, zucchini, asparagus, or even green beans work wonderfully. Just remember to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.
Herb it Up: Want to elevate the flavor? Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the seasoning mix, or sprinkle some chopped parsley over the finished dish for a burst of freshness.
Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, try adding some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning. For a smoky twist, consider using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
Different Proteins: This recipe isn’t just limited to chicken! You can easily substitute the chicken fillets with turkey breast, pork tenderloin, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Marinade Magic: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in your favorite dressing or sauce for a few hours before cooking. Italian dressing or a honey mustard mixture works beautifully!
Cheesy Goodness: If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle some shredded mozzarella or parmesan over the chicken and veggies during the last 5 minutes of baking for a gooey, melty topping.

With these variations, you can easily make this easy chicken dinner your own and keep it exciting every time you cook it. The best part is that it’s still just as simple and delicious no matter how you change it up!

Nutritional Information Section

Let’s talk numbers! Understanding the nutritional content of your meals can be super helpful, especially when you’re trying to eat healthily. For this easy chicken dinner, here’s an estimated breakdown per serving:

Calories: 350
Protein: 40g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 600mg
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. If you decide to switch up the veggies or use a different type of chicken, the nutritional values might change a bit. But overall, this dish is a fantastic source of lean protein and packed with veggies, making it a wholesome choice for dinner!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Let’s talk about how to store those delicious leftovers from your easy chicken dinner! Trust me, you’ll want to keep every last bite because it’s just as good the next day. Here’s how to do it right:

Once your chicken and veggies have cooled down to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container. Make sure to separate the chicken from the vegetables if you’d like to keep them fresh for longer. This meal can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember to label your container with the date so you won’t forget when it was made!

When you’re ready to enjoy those tasty leftovers, here’s how to reheat them without losing any flavor or texture. You can either use the microwave or oven:

Microwave: Place your chicken and veggies on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in, and heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. Be sure to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety!
Oven: If you prefer a crispier texture, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken and veggies on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Reheat for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated thoroughly. This method helps retain that delicious roasted flavor!

And there you go! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your easy chicken dinner more than once. It’s a win-win situation!

FAQ Section

Q1. Can I use frozen chicken fillets for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can either leave them in the fridge overnight or use the microwave’s defrost setting. It’s essential to season them well, as frozen chicken can sometimes lack that fresh flavor.

Q2. What can I substitute for broccoli?
If broccoli isn’t your thing, you can easily swap it out for other veggies like green beans, asparagus, or even bell peppers! Just remember to cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking. Each of these options adds a different twist to your easy chicken dinner!

Q3. How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love a kick, you can add some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. For a smoky flavor, try using chipotle powder instead of paprika. It’ll take your easy chicken dinner to a whole new level!

Q4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This easy chicken dinner is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that any added seasonings or sauces are gluten-free. Just double-check the labels, and you’ll be all set for a wholesome gluten-free meal.

Q5. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes! You can prep the chicken and veggies ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Just coat the chicken in the seasoning mix, chop your vegetables, and keep them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, simply bake them as directed. It’s a fantastic time-saver for busy weeknights!