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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips - 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) This simple list of ingredients packs a punch. Each element brings out the best in your dish. The chicken forms the base, while the veggies add color and nutrition. Using fresh herbs like parsley gives a bright taste. The spices—oregano, thyme, and smoked paprika—create a warm, inviting flavor. I love how they blend together. Garlic adds a nice kick, making the whole meal smell amazing as it cooks. With just a few items, you can create a meal that feels special. The key is quality. Choose fresh, vibrant veggies and good chicken. This will elevate your dish. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. This meal is quick, easy, and delicious, perfect for busy weeknights! First, dry the chicken breasts. Use a paper towel to pat them dry. This step helps the chicken brown well. Next, season both sides with sea salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Make sure the spices coat the chicken evenly. This adds great flavor. Now, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the extra virgin olive oil. Wait until the oil shimmers but does not smoke. This should take about 1-2 minutes. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Sear each side for about 6-7 minutes. Look for a golden-brown crust. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, move the chicken to a plate and cover it loosely with foil. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Stir the garlic constantly to avoid burning. Then, add the sliced red bell pepper, zucchini, and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook these veggies for 5-6 minutes. Stir occasionally to help them cook evenly. You want them tender and slightly caramelized for a sweeter taste. Finally, return the seared chicken to the skillet with the sautéed veggies. Gently toss everything together for about 1-2 minutes. This step helps meld the flavors. Turn off the heat and enjoy the dish. You can find the full recipe to follow along more easily. To check chicken doneness, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures your chicken is safe to eat. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part. The meat should be white, not pink. For searing, heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil once it’s hot. The oil should shimmer but not smoke. This helps create a nice crust on the chicken. Searing locks in juices and boosts flavor. For a beautiful plate, serve the chicken on a colorful bed of quinoa or rice. Arrange the veggies around the chicken for a vibrant look. A drizzle of olive oil or lemon juice adds brightness just before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley to add a pop of color and a hint of flavor. A sprinkle of sea salt on top enhances the dish's appeal. Remember, we eat with our eyes first! To save time, prep your ingredients before cooking. Chop the veggies and mince the garlic in advance. This makes the cooking process quick and smooth. Keep a good knife and cutting board handy. A sharp knife makes cutting easier and safer. Also, use a large skillet to cook everything in one pan. This reduces cleanup time. Make sure to follow the Full Recipe for best results! {{image_4}} You can easily adapt this recipe for different diets. For a gluten-free meal, make sure your spices and oils are certified gluten-free. You can also swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh for a vegan option. Just season them the same way as the chicken. Cook them until golden for that nice flavor. To change up the taste, try adding different herbs. Fresh basil, rosemary, or cilantro can give your dish a new twist. You can also use spices like cumin or curry powder for a bold kick. When it comes to veggies, feel free to swap in what you have. Broccoli, carrots, or asparagus work great. Use seasonal veggies for the best taste. This dish pairs well with many sides. Serve it over grains like quinoa or rice. A fresh salad on the side adds a crunch. If you want to meal prep, you can double the recipe. Cook it all at once and store it in the fridge for quick meals later. It’s perfect for busy days! After you enjoy your meal, store any leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep the chicken and veggies fresh. This method helps prevent them from drying out or absorbing other odors. You can safely keep your leftovers for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing! To freeze your chicken and veggies, let them cool completely. Place them in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Squeeze out the air to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the dish in the fridge overnight. For quicker thawing, use the microwave on a low setting. Make sure to heat it until it reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. By following these tips, you can enjoy your 30-Minute Garlic Herb Chicken & Veggies even after the first serving! How can I ensure my chicken is tender and juicy? To keep chicken tender, start with fresh, high-quality meat. Always pat it dry first. Season the chicken well with salt and spices. Searing it in a hot skillet creates a nice crust. This locks in moisture. Cook it until the center hits 165°F (75°C). Resting it for a few minutes helps too. Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, you need to thaw them first. The best method is to place them in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, use cold water. Place the chicken in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour. Cook them as you would fresh chicken. What are some quick side dishes to serve with this chicken? You can serve many quick sides with this chicken. Here are some ideas: - Steamed broccoli - Couscous or quinoa - A simple green salad - Garlic bread - Roasted sweet potatoes How can I adjust the spice level of the dish? To change the spice level, add more or less smoked paprika. For heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also mix in some chili powder for a different flavor. Taste as you go, so it fits your liking! What substitutions can I make if I'm out of certain ingredients? If you run out of chicken breasts, feel free to use thighs. They stay moist and flavorful. For herbs, fresh herbs can replace dried ones, but use more as they are less potent. If you have no zucchini, use bell peppers or green beans instead. What’s the difference between sautéing and searing? Sautéing cooks food quickly over medium heat with some oil. It’s great for vegetables. Searing uses high heat to brown meat quickly. This builds flavor and seals in juices. Both methods are quick but serve different purposes in cooking. How can I cook this meal in a skillet versus an oven? You can easily cook this meal in a skillet. Sear the chicken first, then sauté the veggies in the same pan. If you prefer using an oven, sear the chicken first, then transfer everything to a baking dish. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes. This gives you a great baked flavor. This blog post covered a flavorful chicken dish, providing a detailed recipe and cooking steps. You learned the ingredients needed, how to prepare and cook the meal, and tips for making it shine. I shared ideas for variation, storage, and common questions to ensure your success. Cooking can be simple and satisfying. With these methods and tips, you can create a meal that delights every time. Enjoy crafting your delicious chicken dish!

30-Minute Chicken Dinner

Delight your family with a quick and delicious 30-minute garlic herb chicken & veggies recipe! This simple dish features juicy chicken breasts seared to perfection and paired with colorful, sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and tomatoes for a healthy, vibrant meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's easy to make and packed with flavor. Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe and get cooking tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a deeper flavor

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips

1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season generously on both sides with sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, and smoked paprika, ensuring an even coating.

    Heat the Pan: Place a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat and add the extra virgin olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering but not smoking, which should take about 1-2 minutes.

      Cook the Chicken: Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Sear for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken develops a beautiful golden-brown crust and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

        Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until fragrant. Next, add the sliced red bell pepper, zucchini, and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and start to caramelize slightly, enhancing their natural sweetness.

          Combine and Finish: Return the seared chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Gently toss everything together for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through completely.

            Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the finely chopped fresh parsley over the top for added color and a fresh flavor kick. Serve this vibrant dish warm, either family-style on a large platter or portioned out on individual plates.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: For a visually appealing presentation, serve the chicken and vegetables over a bed of quinoa or rice. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice just before serving for a burst of brightness.