Easy Chicken Recipes to Prepare: A Quick Guide for Busy Weeknights
Are you looking for easy chicken recipes that won't take up your entire evening? You've come to the right place! Chicken is a versatile protein, perfect for quick weeknight meals. These recipes are designed to be simple, delicious, and require minimal cooking skills. Let's dive into some tasty options!
Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies
This recipe is a winner for its simplicity and minimal cleanup. Sheet pan meals are a lifesaver for busy cooks.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 lb assorted vegetables (broccoli florets, bell peppers, carrots, onions – whatever you have on hand!)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the chicken and vegetables with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread everything in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, try adding a lemon wedge to the baking sheet during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Potatoes
Another one-pan wonder, this recipe is packed with flavor and requires minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 lb small red potatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or a mix), chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place potatoes in a single layer in a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish.
- Arrange chicken thighs on top of the potatoes.
- Top with lemon slices and fresh herbs.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender.
Pro Tip: For crispier potatoes and chicken skin, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
30-Minute Creamy Tomato Chicken
This recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. The creamy tomato sauce is rich and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
- Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and sauce has thickened slightly.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Pro Tip: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick!
These are just a few easy chicken recipes to get you started. Remember to adjust seasonings to your liking and feel free to experiment with different vegetables and herbs. Enjoy!
