Let’s face it, life can get pretty hectic, and finding time to whip up a healthy dinner can feel like a daunting task. That’s where this healthy easy dinner comes in! It’s a delightful combination of tender chicken breasts, vibrant broccoli, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all baked to perfection with minimal fuss. I love how this recipe embraces fresh ingredients while being packed with flavor—it truly makes you feel good about what you’re eating! Plus, it’s ready in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want something nutritious. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to in your meal rotation. I mean, who wouldn’t love a dish that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy? Let’s dive right into the deliciousness!
Ingredients List
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, we need to get that oven preheating! Set it to a toasty 400°F (200°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures your chicken cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden color. Trust me, starting off with a properly heated oven makes all the difference!
Prepare the Chicken
Now, let’s get to the fun part! In a medium bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk it all together until it’s nicely blended—this will be our delightful marinade. If you’ve got a little extra time, marinating the chicken for about an hour will really amp up the flavor, but honestly, even just coating it right before cooking works just fine!
Arrange Ingredients on Baking Sheet
Grab a baking sheet and lay your chicken breasts on it. Now, take that flavorful mixture you made and coat the chicken evenly—don’t be shy, get in there! Next, scatter the broccoli florets and halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken. Make sure they’re evenly distributed; this helps them cook just right and soak up all those yummy flavors from the chicken.
Add Lemon Juice
Here comes the zesty part! Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the chicken and veggies. This not only brightens up the dish but also adds a burst of freshness that complements the savory flavors beautifully. Just a drizzle will do—let the citrus magic happen!
Bake the Dish
Time to pop that baking sheet into the oven! Bake everything for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). A quick tip: if you cut into the chicken and the juices run clear, you’re golden!
Garnish and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, let’s finish this dish off right! Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a lovely pop of color and flavor. For plating, I love to arrange the veggies around the chicken to create a beautiful presentation. Serve it up warm, and get ready to enjoy this nutritious feast that looks as good as it tastes!
Nutritional Information
Let’s take a moment to appreciate how nourishing this dish is! Each serving of this healthy easy dinner is packed with nutrients, making it a smart choice for your weeknight meals. Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 5g
These values are estimates, but they give you a great idea of just how wholesome this meal is. With lean protein from the chicken and plenty of fiber from the veggies, you’ll feel satisfied and energized without any guilt. It’s a win-win!
Tips for Success
To ensure your healthy easy dinner turns out perfectly every time, I’ve got a few tips that’ll make a world of difference! First off, make sure your chicken breasts are of even thickness. If they vary too much, they might cook unevenly. You can gently pound them to a uniform thickness if you need to—this helps with even cooking and tenderness!
Next, don’t skip the marinating step if you have the time. Even a quick 30 minutes of marination can really elevate the dish! The olive oil and spices work their magic, infusing the chicken with flavor that makes each bite a delight.
Also, keep an eye on your veggies! Broccoli and cherry tomatoes can cook at different rates, so if you notice the tomatoes are getting too soft while the chicken is still cooking, you can always remove them early. Just give them a gentle stir and let their flavors mingle with the chicken for a bit!
Lastly, when it comes to seasoning, don’t be afraid to taste as you go! If you feel like it needs a little more zing, add a pinch of salt or an extra squeeze of lemon juice before serving. Balancing those flavors makes a big difference in how vibrant the dish tastes. Trust me, these little adjustments will take your dinner from good to absolutely fabulous!
Variations
One of the things I absolutely love about this healthy easy dinner is how versatile it can be! If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to switch things up, here are some fun variations to consider:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap out the chicken for tofu! Use firm or extra-firm tofu, and be sure to press it to remove excess moisture. Cut it into cubes and coat it with the same marinade for a delicious plant-based alternative.
- Different Veggies: Feel free to mix and match your vegetables! Asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini are fantastic choices. Just remember to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs! Instead of parsley, try fresh thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist. You can even add some Italian seasoning to the marinade for an extra flavor boost.
- Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the marinade or toss in some sliced jalapeños with the veggies. This will give your dish a nice kick!
- Grain Addition: Serve this dish over a bed of quinoa, farro, or even cauliflower rice for an added layer of texture and nutrition. These grains complement the flavors beautifully!
These variations not only keep things interesting but also allow you to tailor the recipe to your personal taste or dietary needs. So, go ahead and get creative—your taste buds will thank you!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Let’s talk about what to do with any leftovers from this delicious healthy easy dinner! If you find yourself with some extra servings, don’t worry; they store beautifully and make for a quick meal later on. To store, simply let the dish cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I love using glass containers for this—they’re great for reheating and help keep everything fresh!
When it comes to reheating, you’ve got a couple of options. For the best results, I recommend using the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C), then place your leftovers in a baking dish and cover it with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until everything is warmed through. This method keeps the chicken juicy and the veggies vibrant!
If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave individual portions. Just pop it on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, and heat for about 1-2 minutes, checking in between to avoid overcooking. Keep an eye on it so your chicken stays tender and the veggies don’t get mushy.
And there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your healthy meal even on those busier days. It’s all about keeping things flavorful and convenient!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: Whip up this delicious meal in just 45 minutes!
- Nutrient-packed: Loaded with lean protein and fresh veggies for a wholesome dinner.
- Versatility: Easily customize with different proteins and vegetables to suit your taste.
- One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything baked on a single sheet.
- Flavorful and satisfying: Enjoy a dish that’s both delicious and guilt-free.
- Perfect for busy nights: A fantastic option for those hectic weeknights when you need something nutritious fast!
Healthy Easy Dinner in 45 Minutes: Enjoy Guilt-Free Yummy!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Healthy
Description
A healthy and easy dinner recipe that combines fresh ingredients for a nutritious meal.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken breasts with the mixture and place them on a baking sheet.
- Add broccoli and cherry tomatoes around the chicken.
- Drizzle lemon juice over the chicken and vegetables.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken for an hour before cooking.
- You can substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Serve with quinoa or brown rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: healthy easy dinner, nutritious meal, quick dinner recipe
