This easy chicken dinner is a simple yet flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy, seasoned chicken breasts are pan-seared or baked to perfection and served with a delicious side of vegetables or rice. With minimal prep and just a handful of ingredients, you can have a wholesome, satisfying meal on the table in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Simple – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
- Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with protein and easy to pair with veggies.
- Customizable – Works with different seasonings and cooking methods.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Make extra for easy lunches throughout the week.
- One-Pan Option – Cook everything in one skillet for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Olive oil or butter
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Italian seasoning (or your favorite spice blend)
- Salt & black pepper
- Lemon juice (for extra flavor, optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Directions
Pan-Seared Method
- Season the Chicken – Pat chicken dry and rub with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the Pan – In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Chicken – Add chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest & Serve – Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then drizzle with lemon juice and garnish with parsley.
Oven-Baked Method
- Preheat Oven – Set to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Season the Chicken – Rub chicken with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bake – Place in the baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Serve – Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Chicken – Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat.
- Garlic Butter Chicken – Drizzle with melted garlic butter before serving.
- Lemon Herb Chicken – Use fresh rosemary and thyme with lemon zest.
- Honey Mustard Chicken – Brush with a honey mustard glaze before baking.
- One-Pan Meal – Add sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or potatoes to the baking dish.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating – Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
- Freezing – Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs will be juicier and may need a few extra minutes to cook.
How do I keep chicken from drying out?
Don’t overcook—use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (75°C).
Can I marinate the chicken?
Yes! Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) for extra flavor.
What’s the best way to get crispy skin?
For crispy skin, sear the chicken in a hot pan before baking.
Can I cook this in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What sides go well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad pair perfectly.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw it completely before cooking for even results.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use olive oil instead of butter and skip cheese-based toppings.
What seasonings work best?
Italian seasoning, Cajun spice, lemon pepper, or simple salt and garlic powder all work great!
Can I make this into a sheet pan meal?
Absolutely! Add veggies like potatoes, carrots, or green beans to the pan and bake everything together.
Conclusion
This easy chicken dinner is a go-to meal that’s flavorful, quick, and versatile. Whether pan-seared or baked, this juicy chicken pairs well with any side dish and can be customized to fit your taste. Try it today and enjoy a simple, delicious homemade meal!
PrintEasy Chicken Dinner
This Easy Garlic Butter Chicken is a one-pan dinner that’s juicy, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish pairs tender chicken breasts with roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken – Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Sear the chicken – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the veggies – In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon butter, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir for 30 seconds, then add cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers. Cook for 4-5 minutes until tender.
- Add chicken back – Return chicken to the pan, add remaining 2 tablespoons butter, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internally.
- Garnish & serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Protein Swap: Use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Veggie Variations: Swap in asparagus, green beans, or mushrooms.
- Make It Creamy: Add ½ cup heavy cream for a rich garlic butter sauce.