Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and easy dinner that won't keep you in the kitchen all evening? Then look no further! This Speedy Chicken & Veggie Bake is your answer. Inspired by the beloved Mr. Food, this recipe delivers on flavor and simplicity, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its best, offering a wholesome and satisfying meal the whole family will adore. This recipe is packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, making it a guilt-free addition to your healthy meals repertoire. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen peas and carrots
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
-
Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This simple step ensures your delicious dish doesn't stick.
-
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the foundation of flavor for the entire dish.
-
Brown the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides. This will help seal in the juices and add a nice texture.
-
Combine Ingredients: Transfer the chicken and onion mixture to the prepared baking dish. Add the chopped bell peppers, frozen peas and carrots, diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine.
-
Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. If you're using cheddar cheese, sprinkle it over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
-
Serve & Enjoy: Let the chicken bake rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to serve. Serve hot and enjoy this quick dinner idea!
Cooking Tips & Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
- Different cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby Jack.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a ½ cup of sour cream or cream cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Meal prep friendly: This dish is perfect for meal prepping. Simply store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This Speedy Chicken & Veggie Bake is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's a delicious and satisfying dish that's perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy this best recipe and let us know what you think!