Easy One-Pan Chicken and Veggies Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Whipping up a delicious 20-minute one-pan chicken and veggies becomes a breeze when you know the right tricks.

Shortcuts in the kitchen can save precious evening moments for relaxation and connection.

Weeknight dinners demand smart strategies that balance nutrition and speed.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a meal packed with flavor and minimal cleanup.

Fresh vegetables and tender chicken make this recipe a weeknight champion for anyone seeking quick, wholesome food.

Minimal effort means maximum satisfaction – you’ll love how rapidly this dish comes together.

Eager cooks can dive right in and create something spectacular in less time than it takes to order takeout.

Why 1-Pan Chicken & Veggies Is a Favorite

• Using only one pan means less washing up, making this recipe a lifesaver for busy home cooks who want to minimize kitchen mess.
• Packed with colorful vegetables and lean protein, this dish delivers a balanced meal that's both tasty and health-conscious.
• Swap out vegetables or seasonings to match your family's preferences, making this recipe incredibly versatile and adaptable to different tastes.

Ingredients for One-Pan Chicken Dish

• Chicken: Lean protein that forms the heart of the dish.

• Bell Peppers, Zucchini, Red Onion: Colorful mix of fresh vegetables for nutrition and flavor.
• Tomatoes, Garlic: Add depth and aromatic complexity to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Provides cooking medium and rich flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings for enhancing overall taste.
• Paprika, Italian Seasoning: Adds warmth and herb-forward profile.

• Parsley, Basil: Fresh herbs for bright, final touch.

• Rice, Quinoa, Bread: Optional accompaniments for a complete meal.

One-Pan Chicken Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Grab your cutting board and knife.

Wash bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion thoroughly.

Slice bell peppers into strips, dice zucchini into chunks, and chop red onion into bite-sized pieces.

Trim chicken and cut into even-sized cubes.

Pat chicken dry with paper towels to ensure perfect browning.

Step 2: Spice Up the Chicken

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Italian seasoning

Massage seasonings into chicken until every piece is evenly coated.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Drizzle olive oil and carefully place chicken pieces.

Let chicken cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.

Flip pieces and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes.

Chicken should look crispy and be fully cooked through.

Transfer chicken to a plate.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a touch more olive oil if needed.

• Bell peppers
• Zucchini
• Red onion

Sauté vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they start to soften.

Add minced garlic and diced tomatoes.

Cook for additional 2-3 minutes until vegetables are tender and aromatic.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Return seared chicken to the skillet.

Gently stir and mix everything, allowing flavors to meld.

Cook for 1-2 minutes to ensure everything is heated evenly.

Step 6: Final Touches and Serving

Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top.

Serve immediately with your favorite side like rice, quinoa, or crusty bread.

Enjoy your quick and delicious meal!

Tips for One-Pan Chicken Dinners

• Patting chicken dry ensures crispy, golden-brown edges that lock in delicious seasonings.
• Slice vegetables uniformly to guarantee even cooking and maintain perfect texture without mushy results.
• Allow chicken to marinate briefly while prepping vegetables to intensify flavor absorption and create more depth in the dish.
• Use medium-high heat to achieve perfect caramelization on chicken and vegetables without burning or creating tough textures.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil at the end to preserve their bright flavor and vibrant color, enhancing the overall dish presentation.

Store & Reheat One-Pan Chicken Right

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the chicken and vegetables separate to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
• Place cooled chicken and vegetables in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, ensuring proper sealing to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Restore crispy texture by gently reheating in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying, stirring occasionally until heated through and flavors are revived.

What Goes with Chicken & Veggies

• Pair Perfectly with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of the chicken, complementing the herb-seasoned dish with its bright, zesty notes.
• Serve Alongside Crusty Sourdough Bread: Absorb the delicious pan juices and add a satisfying textural contrast to the tender chicken and vegetables.
• Refresh with Sparkling Cucumber Water: Provides a light, cool accompaniment that cleanses the palate and balances the savory flavors of the one-pan meal.
• Complement with Herbed Quinoa Pilaf: Creates a complete protein-packed meal that echoes the Italian seasoning in the chicken while adding extra nutritional value.

Chicken & Veggie Skillet Ideas

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace Italian seasoning with gluten-free herbs like thyme and rosemary. Use tamari instead of traditional seasoning to maintain flavor without gluten.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. Cut tofu into cubes, press out moisture, and use same seasoning technique for protein-rich alternative.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip grains and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Add extra non-starchy vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to increase volume and nutrition.
• Mediterranean Spin: Incorporate kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and swap paprika with za'atar seasoning. Drizzle with lemon juice before serving for bright, tangy flavor profile.

FAQs

• Why should I pat the chicken dry before seasoning?

Patting the chicken dry helps the seasoning stick better and ensures a crispy, golden-brown exterior when cooking. Excess moisture can prevent proper browning and create steaming instead of searing.

• Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?

Fresh vegetables are recommended for the best texture and flavor, but in a pinch, you can use frozen vegetables. Just thaw and drain them completely to prevent excess water in the pan.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest piece to ensure there’s no pink and the juices run clear.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

You can create a simple substitute by mixing dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary in equal proportions. If you’re missing one or two herbs, the dish will still taste great with what you have on hand.

20-Minute One-Pan Chicken and Veggies for Busy Nights Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Weeknight dinners find their hero in this 20-minute one-pan chicken and veggies dish, where simple ingredients create a delicious meal. Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor make this recipe a perfect solution when you need quick, nutritious comfort on busy evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts (or thighs), boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces

Fresh Vegetables:

• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), chopped
• 1 small zucchini or yellow squash, chopped
• 1/2 red onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Oil:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prep your ingredients with precision: Thoroughly cleanse and uniformly slice vegetables into bite-sized portions. Trim chicken into consistent pieces, ensuring excess moisture is completely absorbed using paper towels.
2. Create a robust seasoning blend by gently massaging chicken with olive oil, incorporating salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning until each morsel is evenly coated.
3. Activate a large skillet over medium-high temperature, introducing olive oil. Carefully arrange chicken pieces, allowing golden caramelization without immediate movement. After 4-5 minutes, flip and continue cooking 3-4 minutes until exterior develops a rich, crispy texture and interior reaches complete doneness.
4. Utilize the same skillet, supplementing with additional olive oil if necessary. Introduce bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion, allowing vegetables to soften and develop slight caramelization over 5-7 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic and tomatoes, continuing cooking until aromatic and tender.
5. Reunite cooked chicken with sautéed vegetables, thoroughly integrating ingredients. Permit brief additional cooking to harmonize flavors, adjusting seasoning to personal preference.
6. Elevate presentation by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or basil. Serve immediately, optionally accompanied by rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to transform into a complete, satisfying meal.

Notes

• Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains the same delicious flavor profile and cooking technique.
• Select high-quality, fresh vegetables for maximum taste and nutrition, ensuring they are similar in size for even cooking and appealing presentation.
• Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior with crispy edges that lock in moisture and enhance overall texture.
• Consider using a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast iron pan to prevent sticking and create beautiful caramelization without burning the ingredients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg