Healthy One-Pot Chicken Recipe

A Healthy One-Pot Chicken dish is a fantastic way to prepare a wholesome, flavorful meal with minimal effort and cleanup. This recipe features lean chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs, all cooked together in one pot for a nutritious and satisfying meal. Perfect for a busy weeknight, this dish is both delicious and easy to make.

Healthy One-Pot Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (or 4 chicken breasts if preferred)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Season the chicken thighs or breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, dried oregano, and dried thyme. If you have time, let the chicken marinate for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors, but it’s not necessary if you’re short on time.

2. Sear the Chicken:

• Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. You don’t need to cook the chicken all the way through; just sear the outside to get a nice color. Once seared, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:

• In the same pot, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and zucchini. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
• Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Add the Broth:

• Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir to deglaze the bottom of the pot and incorporate any flavorful bits left from searing the chicken.
• Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pot, then return the seared chicken to the skillet, placing it on top of the vegetables and broth.

5. Simmer and Cook:

• Cover the skillet or Dutch oven with a lid and lower the heat to medium-low. Let everything simmer for about 20-25 minutes (or until the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
• Check the chicken at the 15-minute mark to make sure it’s cooking evenly and add more broth if needed.

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Once the chicken is fully cooked, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving for added freshness.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with whole grains: Pair this healthy one-pot chicken with brown rice, quinoa, or couscous for a complete, balanced meal.
• Add a side salad: A simple mixed green salad or roasted veggies would complement the dish beautifully.

Tips:

• Vegetable variations: Feel free to swap or add any other vegetables like carrots, green beans, spinach, or kale, depending on what you have on hand.
• For extra flavor: You can add a squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar to brighten the dish right before serving.
• Chicken substitutions: You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders to reduce cooking time.

This Healthy One-Pot Chicken is the perfect way to enjoy a wholesome, satisfying meal with minimal preparation and cleanup. The chicken stays juicy, and the vegetables soak up all the delicious flavors from the broth and spices, making for a balanced and flavorful dish. Enjoy!