There’s nothing like a warm, hearty chicken dinner to bring comfort to your table. This Quick and Flavorful Chicken Dinner combines tender chicken breasts, perfectly seasoned vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a special family dinner, this recipe is sure to delight everyone at the table.
Easy to prepare and loaded with classic flavors, this dish is both simple and satisfying. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Dinner
This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a one-dish recipe that brings together protein, veggies, and melted cheese for a complete meal.
The tender chicken, combined with a herby tomato sauce and soft, flavorful vegetables, creates a delicious harmony of textures and flavors. Plus, the gooey mozzarella cheese takes this dish to the next level. Whether you’re cooking for your family or guests, this recipe is always a hit.
Ingredients for Quick and Flavorful Chicken Dinner
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| For the Chicken: | |
| Chicken breasts | 2.2 lb (1 kg) |
| Salt | 3/4 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Flour | 4 tbsp |
| For the Vegetables and Sauce: | |
| Potatoes (peeled and sliced) | 6 medium |
| Onion (diced) | 1 |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Kapia peppers or red bell peppers (sliced) | 2 |
| Cherry tomatoes (halved) | 3.5 oz (100 g) |
| Tomato puree | 1 cup (240 ml) |
| Water | 1/2 cup (120 ml) |
| Thyme | 1/2 tsp |
| Basil | 1/2 tsp |
| Rosemary | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | 3/4 tsp |
| For Topping: | |
| Mozzarella cheese (shredded) | 7 oz (200 g) |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | For garnish |
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Quick and Flavorful Chicken Dinner
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Lightly coat the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat a small amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken breasts for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
- Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly.
- Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the Kapia peppers (or red bell peppers). Halve the cherry tomatoes.
3. Cook the Vegetables
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, add a bit more oil if necessary.
- Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the sliced potatoes, peppers, and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. Make the Sauce
- Pour the tomato puree and water into the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Add thyme, basil, rosemary, and salt, and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Combine and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In an oven-safe dish, layer the cooked vegetables and sauce on the bottom. Place the seared chicken breasts on top.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
6. Bake the Dish
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. The chicken should be fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve warm with your favorite sides or enjoy it as a standalone meal.
What Makes This Recipe So Special
1. One-Pan Wonder
With everything cooked in one dish, cleanup is easy, and the flavors meld together beautifully for a cohesive, hearty meal.
2. Flavorful Sauce and Vegetables
The herby tomato sauce enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables, creating a rich and satisfying base for the chicken.
3. Cheese Perfection
The melted mozzarella cheese not only adds richness but also gives this dish a comforting, gooey finish.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Calcium | 20% of daily value |
| Vitamin C | 30% of daily value |
Creative Twists to Try
- Add a Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños for a spicy twist.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or mascarpone into the sauce for a richer flavor.
- Vegetable Variations: Swap the potatoes for zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms for a low-carb version.
- Cheese Alternatives: Use cheddar, gouda, or Parmesan for a different cheesy topping.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:
- Garlic Bread: Serve with slices of garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
- Side Salad: Add a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
- Rice or Quinoa: Serve over steamed rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
FAQs About Quick and Flavorful Chicken Dinner
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are an excellent alternative and are often juicier. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the dish up to the baking step and store it in the fridge. Bake it when ready to serve.
3. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
4. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, it freezes well. Let the dish cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
5. How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the chicken with roasted eggplant, zucchini, or tofu.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try This Recipe Today
This Quick and Flavorful Chicken Dinner is the perfect combination of simplicity, fresh ingredients, and bold flavors. The tender chicken, cheesy topping, and rich tomato sauce create a dish that’s hearty, comforting, and delicious.
Whether you’re making dinner for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Ready to enjoy an unforgettable meal? Head to the kitchen and try this recipe today!
Print
Quick and Flavorful Chicken Dinner: A Simple and Traditional Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Quick and Flavorful Chicken Dinner is a one-dish masterpiece that combines tender chicken breasts, perfectly seasoned vegetables, and a rich, herby tomato sauce. Topped with gooey mozzarella cheese, this simple yet hearty recipe is perfect for weeknights or special occasions. A comforting and satisfying meal for the entire family!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2.2 lb (1 kg) chicken breasts
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp flour
For the Vegetables and Sauce:
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 Kapia peppers or red bell peppers, sliced
- 3.5 oz (100 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup (240 ml) tomato puree
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp basil
- 1/2 tsp rosemary
- 3/4 tsp salt
For Topping:
- 7 oz (200 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
- Coat the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat a skillet with a little oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds.
- Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the peppers. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
- Add the potatoes, peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly softened.
4. Make the Sauce:
- Stir in tomato puree and water.
- Add thyme, basil, rosemary, and salt. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened slightly.
5. Combine and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In an oven-safe dish, layer the vegetables and sauce. Place the chicken breasts on top.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dish.
6. Bake:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy with your favorite sides or as a standalone dish.
Notes
- Custom Vegetables: Swap potatoes for zucchini, sweet potatoes, or carrots for variety.
- Herb Alternatives: Adjust the herbs to your liking; oregano or Italian seasoning works well too.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the dish ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour or gluten-free flour to coat the chicken.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
