Are you looking for a simple, healthy, and utterly delicious dinner recipe? Look no further! This chicken and potato recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and offers a wholesome meal the whole family will love. It's packed with flavor, requires minimal cleanup, and is easily customizable to your preferences. Forget complicated recipes; this one is straightforward enough for beginner cooks but satisfying enough for seasoned chefs. Let's dive into this easy recipe for a healthy and satisfying meal!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1.5 lbs small red potatoes, halved or quartered (depending on size)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
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Prep the Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and chop the potatoes and onion. Mince the garlic. This initial prep work will make the cooking process much smoother.
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Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Ensure all the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the seasonings. This step is crucial for maximizing flavor.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped potatoes and onion to the bowl with the seasoned chicken. Gently toss everything together to combine.
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Roast to Perfection: Transfer the chicken and potato mixture to a large baking dish. Pour the chicken broth over the mixture. This helps keep everything moist and prevents the potatoes from drying out.
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Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. You can check the chicken's internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
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Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcrowd the baking dish: Ensure there's enough space between the chicken and potatoes for even cooking. If necessary, use two baking dishes.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. A dash of cayenne pepper adds a nice kick!
- Add other vegetables: This recipe is easily adaptable. Consider adding bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Use bone-in chicken: For a richer flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Delicious Variations:
- Lemon Herb Chicken and Potatoes: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the mixture for a bright and zesty flavor.
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Spicy Chicken and Potatoes: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for some heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
This healthy and delicious chicken and potato recipe is a fantastic addition to your weekly meal plan. It's quick, easy, and incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying homemade dish!