One-Pan Cheesy Chicken and Vegetables: A Simple & Delicious Weeknight Meal

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious meal can often feel like a challenge. We’re constantly juggling work, family, and other commitments, leaving little room for elaborate cooking sessions. That’s where one-pan recipes come to the rescue! They offer a convenient and efficient way to prepare a complete meal with minimal cleanup. This One-Pan Cheesy Chicken and Vegetables recipe is a perfect example – it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and requires only one pan, making it a weeknight dinner champion.

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, loved by both kids and adults. The combination of tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and melted cheese creates a comforting and satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can easily adapt it to your liking by swapping out the vegetables or cheese with your favorites.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Cheesy Chicken and Vegetables

• Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal prep time and cooks in just one pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthy and Balanced: It’s packed with protein, vegetables, and healthy fats, providing a nutritious and complete meal.
• Versatile: You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, and seasonings.
• Delicious: The combination of tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and melted cheese is simply irresistible.
• Minimal Cleanup: Only one pan to wash!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of this dish. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer. About 1.5 – 2 pounds.
• Vegetables: A mix of colorful vegetables like broccoli florets, bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), onions, and carrots adds flavor, nutrients, and visual appeal. Feel free to add zucchini, asparagus, or any other vegetables you enjoy. About 3-4 cups total, chopped to similar sizes.
• Olive Oil: Used for drizzling over the chicken and vegetables, helping them to cook evenly and develop a golden-brown color. About 2-3 tablespoons.
• Seasonings: A blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper enhances the flavor of the chicken and vegetables. Adjust amounts to your taste. About 1-2 teaspoons each of the powders, 1 teaspoon of oregano, and salt and pepper to taste.
• Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, or a combination of both adds a creamy and cheesy element to the dish. About 1.5 – 2 cups.
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish. Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Lemon wedges for serving.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large Oven-Safe Skillet or Baking Sheet: A 12-inch cast iron skillet or a large baking sheet works best for this recipe.
• Cutting Board: For chopping the vegetables.
• Knife: For chopping the vegetables and chicken (if needed).
• Mixing Bowl: For tossing the vegetables with olive oil and seasonings (optional, you can season directly on the pan).
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: For measuring the ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious One-Pan Cheesy Chicken and Vegetables:

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is preheating, prepare the chicken. If the chicken breasts are very thick, you can slice them horizontally in half to ensure they cook evenly. This will also help them cook faster. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better. Season the chicken breasts with half of the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Make sure to coat both sides of the chicken breasts evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash and chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Aim for similar sizes to ensure even cooking. In a large mixing bowl (or directly on the skillet/baking sheet), toss the vegetables with the remaining olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Make sure the vegetables are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.

Step 3: Arrange Chicken and Vegetables

Arrange the seasoned vegetables in a single layer on the prepared skillet or baking sheet. Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the vegetables, spacing them evenly apart.

Step 4: Bake

Place the skillet or baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Broil (Optional)

Remove the skillet or baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the chicken and vegetables. If you want the cheese to be extra melty and bubbly, you can broil it for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet or baking sheet from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately. You can serve it as is, or with a side of rice, quinoa, or a simple salad.

Tips and Variations

• Vary the Vegetables: Feel free to swap out the vegetables with your favorites. Some other great options include zucchini, asparagus, green beans, mushrooms, and sweet potatoes.
• Change the Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
• Add a Sauce: For extra flavor, you can add a sauce to the dish before baking. Some good options include marinara sauce, pesto, or a creamy garlic sauce.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasonings for a touch of heat.
• Use Different Protein: While this recipe calls for chicken breasts, you can also use chicken thighs, sausage, or even tofu.
• Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil can add a wonderful aroma and flavor to the dish.
• Marinate the Chicken: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken breasts for at least 30 minutes before cooking. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs works well.
• Prep Ahead: You can chop the vegetables and season the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
• Use Frozen Vegetables: In a pinch, you can use frozen vegetables. Just make sure to thaw them slightly before adding them to the skillet or baking sheet.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Ensure vegetables and chicken pieces are arranged in a single layer to promote even cooking. Overcrowding will steam the ingredients instead of roasting them, resulting in less flavorful results.

Serving Suggestions

This One-Pan Cheesy Chicken and Vegetables is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a variety of sides to create a more substantial meal. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Rice or Quinoa: A simple side of rice or quinoa complements the flavors of the chicken and vegetables perfectly.
• Salad: A fresh green salad adds a refreshing element to the meal.
• Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread is always a welcome addition to any meal.
• Roasted Potatoes: Roasted potatoes are a hearty and satisfying side dish.
• Steamed Vegetables: A side of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, adds extra nutrients to the meal.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

The nutritional information below is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use.

• Calories: 450-550 per serving
• Protein: 40-50 grams
• Fat: 20-30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams

Conclusion

This One-Pan Cheesy Chicken and Vegetables recipe is a delicious, easy, and healthy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s versatile, customizable, and requires minimal cleanup. Give it a try and see how it becomes a staple in your dinner rotation!

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?

A: Yes, you can use frozen vegetables. Just make sure to thaw them slightly before adding them to the skillet or baking sheet.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

A: Yes, you can use chicken thighs. Chicken thighs will take slightly longer to cook than chicken breasts, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: Can I add a sauce to the dish?

A: Yes, you can add a sauce to the dish before baking. Some good options include marinara sauce, pesto, or a creamy garlic sauce.

Q: How do I prevent the vegetables from burning?

A: Make sure the vegetables are evenly coated with olive oil and seasonings. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan. If the vegetables start to brown too quickly, you can lower the oven temperature slightly.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: You can chop the vegetables and season the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.