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Easy 15-Minute One Pan Family Dinners Perfect for Busy Weeknights

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A quick, wholesome one-pan dinner featuring chicken and fresh vegetables, perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe is simple, flavorful, and designed to minimize cleanup while maximizing taste.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • A handful of fresh parsley or basil, chopped
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces, slice the bell pepper and zucchini, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the onion, and mince the garlic (5-7 minutes).
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Warm until shimmering but not smoking (1-2 minutes).
  3. Add chicken pieces in a single layer. Leave undisturbed for 3 minutes to sear, then stir and cook another 3-4 minutes until cooked through and golden brown (internal temp 165°F).
  4. Add sliced onion, bell pepper, and zucchini. Stir and cook for about 4 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp. Add a teaspoon of water or broth if pan is dry.
  5. Add minced garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and garlic softens but does not brown.
  6. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until they soften and release juices. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil.
  7. Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over each serving.

Notes

If chicken cooks faster than vegetables, remove it temporarily and cover with foil while veggies finish. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper searing. Use medium-high heat for best results. Fresh herbs should be added at the end to preserve flavor. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pan dinner, quick dinner, family meal, chicken recipe, easy weeknight meal, healthy dinner, gluten-free, dairy-free

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/easy-15-minute-one-pan-family-dinners-perfect-for-busy-weeknights/