One-Pan Wonders: Quick And Easy Weeknight Recipes: Chicken Recipes For Every Occasion: From Weeknight To Feast
After a long day, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. The good news is that with chicken as your main ingredient, you can create delicious and satisfying meals in no time. One-pan wonders are the perfect solution for busy weeknights, as they minimize both prep time and clean-up. Whether you’re craving roasted chicken with veggies, a comforting casserole, or a zesty stir-fry, these easy one-pan recipes allow you to enjoy a home-cooked meal without the stress.
In this chapter, we’ll share a selection of quick and easy one-pan chicken recipes that are full of flavor and make cleanup a breeze. From sheet-pan dinners to skillet wonders, these recipes are designed for maximum taste with minimal effort.
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1. Sheet-Pan Chicken with Roasted Vegetables
This recipe brings the simplicity of one-pan cooking to a whole new level. You’ll have tender, juicy chicken alongside perfectly roasted vegetables, all cooked together in the same pan for a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious.
Ingredients:
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 lb baby potatoes, halved
2 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
1 red onion, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken thighs on the sheet pan and drizzle with half of the seasoning mixture.
4. Add the potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and onion to the pan. Drizzle the remaining seasoning mixture over the vegetables and toss to coat.
5. Roast everything in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are golden and tender.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve.
Why It’s Great:
This sheet-pan dinner is simple, healthy, and quick to prepare. The chicken thighs are flavorful and juicy, and the vegetables soak up the delicious spices, making each bite a satisfying combination.
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2. Skillet Chicken Fajitas
If you love the smoky flavors of fajitas but don’t want to deal with a grill, this skillet version is the perfect weeknight solution. Colorful peppers and onions pair beautifully with seasoned chicken for a one-pan dinner that’s both easy and exciting.
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 onion, sliced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Tortillas, sour cream, and salsa for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken strips and cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the bell peppers and onion. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
3. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through.
4. Serve the fajita mixture with warm tortillas, sour cream, and salsa on the side.
Why It’s Great:
This dish is a fast and fun way to enjoy fajitas without the fuss. The chicken is perfectly seasoned, and the peppers and onions add a burst of color and flavor. You’ll have a meal ready in just 20 minutes!
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3. One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Asparagus
This simple yet elegant recipe is packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of garlic, Parmesan, and fresh asparagus. It’s a perfect meal for when you want something a little special but still easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them in the skillet for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds, then sprinkle the chicken with Parmesan cheese, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. While the chicken is baking, steam or sauté the asparagus in a separate pan until tender, about 4-5 minutes.
6. Serve the chicken with the asparagus and lemon wedges for a refreshing touch.
Why It’s Great:
The garlic and Parmesan create a rich, savory coating on the chicken, while the asparagus adds a fresh, crisp contrast. This meal is perfect for when you want to impress without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
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4. One-Pan Chicken and Rice Casserole
This comforting casserole combines the heartiness of chicken with the simplicity of rice, making it a perfect weeknight dinner for the whole family. Plus, it all cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients:
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish or oven-safe pan.
2. In the prepared dish, layer the rice evenly across the bottom. Pour the chicken broth over the rice and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken thighs on top of the rice, skin-side up.
4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the rice is tender.
5. Remove the foil and sprinkle frozen peas and carrots over the rice. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes to warm the vegetables through.
6. Serve the chicken thighs over the rice for a satisfying meal.
Why It’s Great:
This casserole is a one-pan wonder that’s both filling and comforting. The chicken thighs stay juicy while the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors from the broth and seasonings. It’s an easy, no-fuss dinner for busy nights.
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5. One-Pan Honey Mustard Chicken with Sweet Potatoes
This sweet and savory dish brings together the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with a tangy honey mustard glaze that coats the chicken perfectly. It’s a balanced meal that’s full of flavor and requires minimal prep.
Ingredients:
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
2 medium sweet potatoes, cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread them evenly on a sheet pan.
4. In the same pan, drizzle the honey mustard glaze over the chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is coated. Place the chicken on the sheet pan with the sweet potatoes.
5. Roast in the oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized.
6. Serve the chicken with the roasted sweet potatoes for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Why It’s Great:
The combination of honey mustard and roasted sweet potatoes makes for a mouthwatering balance of flavors. Plus, everything cooks together on one pan, so you can spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your meal.
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Conclusion
One-pan meals are the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. These quick and easy chicken recipes are simple to prepare and deliver big flavor without the hassle. From sheet-pan dinners to skillet wonders, these recipes are perfect for feeding your family or impressing your guests with minimal effort.
