Finger-Lickin’ Chicken Dinner Recipe For Cozy Evenings

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delectable solutions that satisfy hungry stomachs and bring everyone to the table with a hearty chicken dinner recipe that blends simplicity and flavor.

Succulent chicken breasts become the star of this easy meal that promises both nutrition and taste.

Rich herbs and carefully selected spices mingle with tender meat, creating a symphony of delightful aromas.

Bold seasonings infuse each bite with robust character and warmth.

Home cooks adore this straightforward approach that transforms basic ingredients into an extraordinary feast.

With minimal preparation and maximum satisfaction, this recipe ensures a delicious meal emerges from your kitchen in under an hour.

Serve this crowd-pleasing dish and watch smiles spread around the dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes into a No-Fuss Chicken Dinner

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that offers a tender, succulent base for the dish, selecting fresh, boneless cuts ensures even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Aromatic spices that create a robust flavor profile, enhancing the chicken's natural taste with warmth and depth.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Rich, flavor-carrying mediums that help develop golden-brown caramelization and provide a silky, luxurious texture to the entire dish.

• Garlic, Cherry Tomatoes, Zucchini, Bell Peppers: Colorful, nutritious vegetables that add vibrant freshness, varied textures, and complementary flavors to the chicken.

• Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes, Lemon Juice, Fresh Parsley: Bright, zesty ingredients that elevate the dish with tangy, herbal notes and a subtle kick of heat.

Tools That Help You Cook a Simple Chicken Dinner Fast

• Large skillet: Essential for searing chicken and cooking vegetables with even heat.
• Cutting board: Perfect for preparing and seasoning chicken and chopping vegetables.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for slicing zucchini, bell peppers, and chopping fresh parsley.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure salt, pepper, garlic powder, and seasonings.
• Meat thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's internal temperature reaches 165F (75C).
• Tongs: Great for flipping chicken and moving ingredients around the skillet safely.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Useful for stirring vegetables and mixing ingredients while cooking.

Making a Chicken Dinner: Step-by-Step Guidance

• Prep the Poultry

Dry the chicken thoroughly with paper towels and sprinkle a flavor blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika across both sides to create a delicious coating.

• Sizzle and Brown

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Gently place chicken into the hot pan and cook until each side develops a gorgeous golden-brown crust, roughly 5-6 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a waiting plate.

• Dance the Vegetables

In the same sizzling skillet, melt butter and quickly stir in garlic and Italian seasoning. Toss in colorful cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers, letting them soften and caramelize for 4-5 minutes.

• Reunite and Finish

Return chicken to the vegetable-filled pan, introducing fresh butter, bright lemon juice, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra kick. Continue cooking until chicken reaches perfect doneness.

• Plate with Passion

Scatter fresh parsley across the dish and serve alongside your favorite side like fluffy rice, twirly pasta, or creamy mashed potatoes. Enjoy your vibrant, flavor-packed meal!

Sides, Sauces, or Spices That Upgrade the Plate

• Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfectly crispy, golden-brown exterior that seals in delicious flavors.
• Marinate chicken overnight in the same seasonings for deeper flavor penetration and more tender meat.
• Replace chicken with tofu or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian version, keeping the same delectable seasoning and cooking method.
• Skip starchy sides and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly meal that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to dial heat up or down, making the dish family-friendly or extra fiery based on personal preference.

How to Serve Your Chicken Dinner Comfortably

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Pair this juicy chicken with creamy risotto to soak up those delicious pan juices and complement the herb-infused vegetables.
• Fresh Mediterranean Platter: Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad with cucumber, feta, and olives to enhance the zesty lemon and herb notes of the dish.
• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Create a hearty meal by placing the chicken and veggies over fluffy quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb, nutrient-packed dinner option.
• Wine & Dine Pairing: Select a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the richness of the buttery chicken and brighten the vegetable medley.

Save Your Chicken Dinner for Another Night

• Keep your delicious chicken dish fresh and tasty with these storage tips.
• Let the chicken and vegetables reach room temperature within 2 hours after cooking to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal flavor.
• Transfer leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate for 3-4 days. Separate chicken and vegetables to keep each ingredient's texture crisp and prevent soggy results.
• Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to ensure maximum taste and quality.
• Warm chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and maintain moisture.

Mouthwatering Chicken Dinner Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent “easy chicken dinner” brings Mediterranean warmth to your kitchen, blending simple ingredients with bold Mediterranean flavors. Crisp herbs and tender chicken unite in a quick, delightful meal you can savor with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

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• 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter, divided
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
• 1 cup zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Meticulously dry the chicken and generously coat both surfaces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, ensuring even distribution of spices.
2. Searing Technique: Ignite a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil, carefully place chicken pieces, and caramelize each side for 5-6 minutes until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior. Transfer seared chicken to a separate plate.
3. Vegetable Medley: Utilize the same skillet, introduce butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Swiftly incorporate cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until vegetables reach a tender, vibrant consistency.
4. Flavor Fusion: Reintroduce chicken to the skillet, drizzle with remaining butter, squeeze fresh lemon juice, and sprinkle red pepper flakes. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, verifying internal temperature reaches 165F (75C) for optimal doneness.
5. Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve alongside complementary sides like rice, pasta, or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Pat chicken thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy golden-brown exterior and preventing steaming during cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature precisely at 165F (75C), removing chicken from heat immediately to maintain juiciness and prevent toughness.
• Allow chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute juices and ensures each bite remains tender and flavorful.
• Swap butter with olive oil for dairy-free version, or use gluten-free seasonings to accommodate different dietary restrictions while maintaining the dish’s core taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 70mg