Easy One-Pot Chicken and Veggie Delight Recipe

Easy One-Pot Chicken & Veggie Delight Recipe for Busy Nights

Culinary magic happens when this one-pot chicken and veggie delight recipe comes together with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot easier and more delicious.

Home cooks love simple meals that pack a punch without creating a mountain of dishes.

Fresh vegetables mingle beautifully with tender chicken, creating a symphony of tastes in a single pan.

Nutrient-rich ingredients combine effortlessly, making meal preparation a breeze for busy individuals.

Comfort and convenience merge perfectly in this straightforward, nourishing dish.

You’ll savor every bite of this wholesome, satisfying meal that brings joy to the dinner table.

Why Easy One-Pot Chicken And Veggie Delight Is A Time-Saver

  • Simplify Meal Prep: Tackle dinner with a single pot, reducing kitchen cleanup and saving precious time after a long day.
  • Pack Nutritional Punch: Combine lean protein from chicken with a colorful medley of vegetables, creating a balanced meal that supports healthy eating goals.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients based on what's in your fridge, making this recipe adaptable for picky eaters or dietary preferences.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both adults and kids, with mild seasonings and familiar ingredients that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Easy One-Pot Chicken And Veggie Delight

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: A lean and flavorful protein that provides the primary substance of the dish.
Aromatics and Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic: A classic flavor base that adds depth and aromatic warmth to the recipe.
  • Carrots, Bell Pepper, Zucchini, Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh vegetables that contribute color, nutrition, and varied textures to the one-pot meal.
Liquid and Seasoning Components:
  • Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil used for sautéing and adding a subtle rich flavor.
  • Chicken Broth: A savory liquid that helps create a moist and flavorful cooking environment.
  • Thyme, Oregano: Herbs that provide earthy and Mediterranean-inspired seasoning to the dish.
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste profile.
Complementary Ingredient:
  • Rice: A versatile grain that absorbs the delicious cooking liquids and serves as a satisfying base for the chicken and vegetables.

Simple Steps For Easy One-Pot Chicken And Veggie Delight

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Warm up olive oil in a spacious pot over medium-high heat. Gently place chicken pieces into the pot, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust.

Once beautifully colored, transfer the chicken to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

In the same pot, drop in chopped onions and minced garlic.

Stir and dance them around until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their delightful essence.

Step 3: Welcome the Vegetable Symphony

Add a colorful medley of vegetables:
  • Sliced carrots
  • Diced bell peppers
  • Chopped zucchini
  • Halved cherry tomatoes

Sauté the vegetables, stirring occasionally, letting them soften and mingle their flavors.

Step 4: Reunite and Simmer

Return the seared chicken back to the pot. Pour in chicken broth and sprinkle with:
  • Fresh thyme
  • Dried oregano
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let everything simmer gently for 15 minutes.

Step 5: Final Flourish

Fold in cooked rice and let the entire dish warm through for an additional 5 minutes, allowing all flavors to harmonize perfectly.

Cooking Tips For Easy One-Pot Chicken And Veggie Delight

  • Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that's packed with protein and keeps the same delicious flavor profile.
  • Use brown rice instead of white rice to boost nutritional value and add a nutty, wholesome texture to the dish.
  • Chop vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent tenderness throughout the meal.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and controlling salt addition during cooking for a heart-friendly option.
  • Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and create a more harmonious taste experience.

Ways To Switch Up Easy One-Pot Chicken And Veggie Delight

  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace thyme and oregano with rosemary and basil, add kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Southwest Chicken: Incorporate chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Swap rice with quinoa and top with fresh cilantro and jalapeños for a bold kick.
  • Coconut Curry Chicken: Add red curry paste, coconut milk, and swap chicken broth with vegetable broth. Include diced sweet potatoes and spinach for a creamy, aromatic variation.
  • Asian-Inspired Chicken Bowl: Season with ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Replace rice with brown rice or cauliflower rice, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for an east Asian flair.

Side Dishes That Pair With Easy One-Pot Chicken And Veggie Delight

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc offers a refreshing, zesty complement to the chicken's rich flavors, cutting through the dish's warmth with bright acidity.
  • Create a Fresh Side Salad: Toss mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette to add a light, tangy contrast that balances the one-pot meal's hearty profile.
  • Serve with Crusty Artisan Bread: Grab a rustic sourdough or French baguette to soak up the flavorful broth, enhancing the overall dining experience with delightful texture and taste.
  • Enhance with Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top to introduce a vibrant, aromatic finish that elevates the dish's visual and flavor complexity.

How To Store Easy One-Pot Chicken And Veggie Delight

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring food safety and maintaining flavor.
  • Freeze: Transfer cooled chicken and veggie mixture to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months, separating rice if possible to prevent texture loss.
  • Microwave Reheating: Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly. Add splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness.
  • Stovetop Reheating: Warm in skillet over medium-low heat, adding small amount of broth or water.

Easy One-Pot Chicken And Veggie Delight FAQs

  • Can I use different types of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts with thighs or a whole cut-up chicken. Just ensure the meat is boneless and cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and rice. Always check ingredient labels to confirm.

  • How can I make this dish more protein-rich?

Add extra protein by including canned beans, lentils, or increasing the amount of chicken in the recipe. You could also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

  • Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

You can partially prepare this dish by chopping vegetables and cooking chicken beforehand. Store separately in the refrigerator and combine when ready to finish cooking.

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Easy One-Pot Chicken and Veggie Delight Recipe

Easy One-Pot Chicken and Veggie Delight Recipe


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4.5 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comfort meets convenience in this delightful one-pot chicken and veggie delight, blending hearty ingredients with simple cooking techniques. Home cooks can savor a nourishing meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup, making dinner preparation a breeze.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables:

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 zucchini, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Herbs, Liquids, and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups cooked rice

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium-high temperature, creating a golden sear on chicken pieces until richly bronzed. Transfer browned chicken to a temporary plate.
  2. In the identical pot, gently sweat diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  3. Introduce a colorful medley of chopped carrots, vibrant bell peppers, tender zucchini, and juicy cherry tomatoes. Sauté the vegetables, stirring periodically, allowing them to soften and develop robust flavors for 5 minutes.
  4. Reintegrate the reserved chicken into the vegetable mixture, creating a harmonious blend of proteins and produce.
  5. Pour chicken broth into the pot, then sprinkle in aromatic thyme, oregano, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Elevate the heat to trigger a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer.
  6. Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, enabling the chicken to cook thoroughly and the flavors to meld seamlessly.
  7. Fold in the pre-cooked rice, stirring gently to distribute evenly. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the entire dish is heated uniformly and reaches a perfect serving temperature.

Notes

  • Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that keeps the protein content high and maintains the dish’s hearty texture.
  • Choose brown rice instead of white rice to boost fiber and nutritional value, making the meal more filling and nutrient-dense.
  • Customize vegetable selection based on seasonal availability or personal preference, ensuring flexibility and freshness in every preparation.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt intake and allow diners to adjust seasoning according to their dietary needs and taste preferences.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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