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Weeknight dinners can often feel like a chore, especially after a long day’s work. However, with some delicious and easy one-pan chicken recipes in your arsenal, you can whip up a healthy and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. These recipes are designed to use simple techniques and minimal ingredients, so you can focus on enjoying a great dinner with your family. Below, we present 10 easy one-pan chicken dinners perfect for busy weeknights.
1. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Vegetables
This bright and zesty dish combines succulent chicken breasts with a medley of colorful vegetables. It’s perfect for when you want something fresh and flavorful!
Ingredients:
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- 4 boneless chicken breasts
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- 2 cups broccoli florets
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- 1 bell pepper, sliced
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- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
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- 4 cloves garlic, minced
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- 2 tablespoons olive oil
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- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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- In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, and juice. Season with salt and pepper.
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- Add chicken breasts to the bowl and coat them well with the marinade.
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- Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet with broccoli and bell pepper.
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- Pour any remaining marinade over the vegetables.
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- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
2. One-Pan Chicken Fajitas
Enjoy the vibrant flavors of fajitas with this simple one-pan recipe. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a Tex-Mex night!
Ingredients:
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- 1 pound boneless chicken thighs, sliced
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- 1 onion, sliced
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- 1 bell pepper, sliced
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- 1 tablespoon chili powder
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- 1 teaspoon cumin
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- 2 tablespoons olive oil
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- Tortillas, for serving
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- Salt to taste
Instructions:
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- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
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- Add sliced chicken, onion, and bell pepper to the skillet.
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- Sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, and salt. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
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- Serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings.
3. One-Pan Chicken Alfredo
This creamy and indulgent dish is perfect for pasta lovers. The best part? It’s prepared all in one pan!
Ingredients:
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- 2 chicken breasts, diced
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- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
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- 2 cups chicken broth
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- 1 cup heavy cream
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- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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- 2 tablespoons olive oil
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- Salt and pepper to taste
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- Parsley for garnish
Instructions:
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- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
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- Add chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned.
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- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add fettuccine and cook until al dente.
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- Reduce heat to low, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, and cook until creamy.
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- Garnish with parsley before serving.
4. One-Pan Pesto Chicken and Rice
This dish combines the rich flavors of pesto with tender chicken and fluffy rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
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- 4 chicken thighs
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- 1 cup rice
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- 2 cups chicken stock
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- 1 cup basil pesto
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- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
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- In a large skillet, sear the chicken on both sides.
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- Add rice and pour chicken stock over it.
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- Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat. Cook for 20 minutes until rice is tender.
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- Stir in pesto and serve warm.
5. One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken
This sweet and savory dish will delight your taste buds and is a real crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
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- 4 chicken thighs
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- 1 cup broccoli florets
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- 1/4 cup honey
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- 1/4 cup soy sauce
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- 3 cloves garlic, minced
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- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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- In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, and garlic.
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- Place chicken thighs in a baking dish and season with salt and pepper.
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- Pour honey garlic sauce over the chicken and add broccoli to the dish.
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- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
6. One-Pan Mediterranean Chicken
Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with this vibrant and healthy chicken dinner!
Ingredients:
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- 4 chicken breasts
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- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
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- 1 cup Kalamata olives
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- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
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- 2 tablespoons olive oil
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- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
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- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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- In a large baking dish, combine chicken, cherry tomatoes, olives, and red onion.
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- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper.
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- Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
7. One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Chicken
This rich and creamy chicken dish is filled with Tuscan flavors and is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
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- 4 chicken breasts
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- 2 cups spinach
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- 1 cup heavy cream
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- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
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- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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- In a large skillet, cook chicken breasts over medium-high heat until browned.
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- Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach; cook until wilted.
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- Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
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- Simmer for 5 minutes, then serve warm.
8. One-Pan Balsamic Chicken with Vegetables
This dish features a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze that elevates the chicken and vegetables!
Ingredients:
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- 4 chicken breasts
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- 2 cups mixed vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, carrots)
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- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
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- 1 tablespoon olive oil
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- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place in a baking dish with vegetables.
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- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
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- Bake for 30 minutes, stirring vegetables halfway through cooking.
9. One-Pan Chipotle Chicken and Rice
This spicy chipotle-flavored dish is packed with flavor and has a nice kick!
Ingredients:
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- 1 pound chicken thighs, diced
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- 1 cup rice
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- 2 cups chicken broth
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- 1 can black beans, drained
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- 1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo sauce
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- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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- In a large skillet, brown chicken thighs over medium-high heat.
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- Add rice, chicken broth, black beans, chipotle, salt, and pepper.
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- Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20 minutes or until rice is tender.
10. One-Pan Coconut Curry Chicken
This flavorful dish brings classic Indian flavors to your table with ease!
Ingredients:
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- 4 chicken breasts, cubed
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- 1 can coconut milk
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- 2 tablespoons curry powder
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- 2 cups spinach
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- 1 tablespoon olive oil
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- Salt to taste
Instructions:
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- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
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- Add chicken and cook until browned.
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- Stir in curry powder and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
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- Pour in coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
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- Serve hot over rice or with naan.
Conclusion
These ten easy one-pan chicken dinners are not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrients. With minimal clean-up required, you can enjoy quality time with your family while savoring a delicious meal. Whether you prefer something spicy, creamy, or zesty, there’s a recipe here to suit every palate. So, the next time you’re faced with the challenge of a busy weeknight, remember these quick and effortless options that make dinnertime a breeze!
FAQs
1. Can I prep these meals in advance?
Yes, many of these recipes can be prepped in advance. You can marinate the chicken or chop the vegetables ahead of time to save time when cooking.
2. Are these meals freezer-friendly?
Some meals, like the One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken or Balsamic Chicken, can be frozen before cooking. Just ensure to thaw thoroughly and adjust cooking time accordingly when ready to cook.
3. Can I use different types of meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option in some recipes.
4. What can I serve with these dishes?
These one-pan chicken dinners pair well with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. Feel free to add your favorite side dishes to complete your meal!
5. How long can leftovers be stored in the fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat thoroughly before serving.