Let me tell you, when it comes to dinner recipes with chicken, this one is a total game changer! It’s simple, delicious, and comes together in just about 40 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights. I love how the chicken fillets soak up the flavors of the olive oil, garlic powder, and paprika, resulting in a dish that’s packed with flavor. Plus, the fresh lemon slices add a delightful zing that brightens everything up! Trust me, the aroma wafting from your oven while it’s baking will have everyone asking what’s for dinner before you even sit down to eat. I often whip this up when I want something comforting yet effortless, and it never disappoints. Ready to dive into this delightful recipe? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple, fresh ingredients to create a mouthwatering chicken dinner that everyone will love:
- 4 chicken fillets – boneless and skinless for a tender bite
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for that rich flavor and to help the seasonings stick
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – adds a wonderful depth of flavor
- 1 teaspoon paprika – for a touch of smokiness and vibrant color
- Salt to taste – enhances all the flavors in the dish
- Pepper to taste – adds just the right amount of kick
- 1 lemon, sliced – brings brightness and freshness to the dish
- Fresh parsley for garnish – a pop of color and a hint of freshness
These ingredients are not only easy to find but also work beautifully together to create a delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
How to Prepare Dinner Recipes with Chicken
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of preparing this delicious chicken dinner! Follow these steps, and I promise you’ll end up with a dish that not only looks fantastic but tastes even better. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is a crucial step because a hot oven ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden finish.
- Mix the seasonings: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good whisk until everything is well blended. This mixture is where the magic happens, so don’t skip this step!
- Coat the chicken: Take your chicken fillets and coat them generously with the seasoning mix. I like to use my hands for this part—it really helps the flavors stick to the chicken, and it’s much more fun! Make sure each fillet is fully covered.
- Arrange in a baking dish: Place the seasoned chicken fillets in a baking dish in a single layer. This helps them bake evenly. Now, grab those fresh lemon slices and layer them on top of the chicken. They’ll infuse the meat with a bright, zesty flavor as it bakes.
- Bake: Pop the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). To keep things simple, I usually set a timer for 25 minutes and then check for doneness.
- Garnish and serve: Once your chicken is done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for a tender bite. Before serving, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for that beautiful finish. You’ll love the vibrant color and added freshness!
And there you have it! A simple, flavorful chicken dinner that’s sure to impress. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! This recipe is not only delicious but also fairly nutritious. Each serving of this chicken fillet packs approximately 250 calories, making it a satisfying choice for dinner without feeling heavy. Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 120mg
These values can vary slightly based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes, but overall, you’re looking at a healthy, protein-packed dinner that fits nicely into a balanced diet!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious dinner on the table in no time!
- Easy Cooking: This recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want to keep things simple.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic, paprika, and fresh lemon creates an irresistible flavor that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and low in carbs, this chicken dinner fits perfectly into a balanced diet.
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the seasonings or add your favorite veggies for a personal touch!
Tips for Success
To make sure your chicken dinner turns out perfectly every time, keep these handy tips in mind:
- Use a meat thermometer: This is key to ensuring your chicken is cooked through but still juicy. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Don’t skip marinating: If you have the time, marinating the chicken for an hour in the seasoning mix can deepen the flavors immensely!
- Let it rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This step helps the juices settle, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.
- Experiment with veggies: Roasting some veggies alongside the chicken can create a complete meal and add even more flavor!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a delicious dinner that impresses every time!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Storing this delicious chicken is super easy. Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months—just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is a breeze! Pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use a microwave for a quicker option—just cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Enjoy your tasty leftovers!
Frequently Asked Questions about Dinner Recipes with Chicken
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about dinner recipes with chicken that might help you out:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of fillets? Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe and can add extra juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time if needed, as they might take a bit longer.
- What sides pair well with this chicken dish? I love serving it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. You can also whip up some rice or quinoa to soak up all those delicious juices!
- How do I ensure my chicken stays juicy? Marinating the chicken for an hour before baking can really help lock in moisture. Plus, letting it rest after cooking is key!
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! You can prep everything and store it in the fridge, then bake it when you’re ready to eat. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions—I love helping fellow home cooks!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out this ginger soy chicken breast recipe or this balsamic glazed chicken breast recipe!
Print
Dinner Recipes with Chicken: 5 Flavorful Essentials
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious chicken dinner recipe.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken fillets with the mixture.
- Place the chicken in a baking dish and add lemon slices on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Serve with steamed vegetables.
- Can substitute chicken thighs if preferred.
- Marinate chicken for an hour for more flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken fillet
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: dinner recipes with chicken