15-Minute One-Pan Chicken and Veggies

Dinner can seem like one burden too many when life gets busy; That’s where one-pan dinners save the day. They require little prep and even less in the way of washing up, bringing simplicity without sexing down on flavour or satisfaction.

The answer on those busy weeknights: a 15-minute one-pan chicken and veggies. It’s loaded with lean protein, colourful vegetables and assertive seasoning, so it’s one of those fast meals that you’ll want to make again and again. Best of all, it’s customisable to suit your tastes and whatever you have in the fridge.

Key Benefits / Why It Matters

Convenience Meets Nutrition

The primary appeal of one-pan dinners lies in their unmatched convenience. With just a single pan, you can create a meal that is not only satisfying but also nourishing. This means:

• Fewer dishes to wash
• Less time spent cooking
• More time for relaxation or your favourite activities

The 15-minute one-pan chicken and veggies recipe exemplifies how effortless meal prep can be, without sacrificing nutritional quality.

Health Benefits of Chicken and Veggies

Chicken is a lean, versatile protein and a great source of essential nutrients such as B vitamins. These vitamins support energy production and a healthy metabolism. When paired with a colourful variety of vegetables, the dish becomes a nutrient-rich combination packed with:

• Vitamins and minerals
• Antioxidants to support overall health
• Fibre from vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots aids digestive wellness

Not only does this dish look vibrant and appealing, but it also supports a balanced diet with minimal fuss.

Why One-Pan Dinners Work

Simple, satisfying, and efficient—one-pan dinners are a busy cook’s secret weapon. By cooking everything together, you:

• Save on prep and cleaning time
• Keep flavours concentrated and cohesive
• Minimise the need for oil or sauces
• Reduce food waste by using up fridge staples
• Maintain healthy portions with lean proteins and lots of veg

And unlike meals that require careful timing across multiple pots, one-pan recipes are wonderfully forgiving.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of half a lemon (optional)

For the vegetables:

• 1 courgette, sliced into half-moons
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• A handful of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried herbs of choice
• Olive oil for drizzling

Feel free to swap or add in what you have—mushrooms, broccoli, or baby spinach also work beautifully.

Method

Step 1: Prep the chicken

Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks or thin strips for quicker cooking. In a bowl, toss the pieces with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes while you chop the vegetables.

Step 2: Heat the pan

Place a large, non-stick frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add a dash of olive oil and let it heat until shimmering.

Step 3: Cook the chicken

Add the chicken to the hot pan in a single layer. Sauté for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Step 4: Sauté the vegetables

In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed and toss in all your prepped vegetables. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are tender but still vibrant.

Step 5: Bring it all together

Return the chicken to the pan, mix everything well, and cook for another 2 minutes to warm through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy

Dish up straight from the pan or serve over rice, couscous, or quinoa for a heartier meal. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan if you like.

Customisation Ideas

This base recipe is endlessly adaptable, making it perfect for using up odds and ends:

• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of chilli flakes or swap paprika for cayenne.
• Asian-style: Replace the herbs with soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of honey.
• Greek flair: Add olives, feta, and oregano near the end.
• Creamy version: Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or yoghurt for a rich finish.

This flexibility is part of what makes it a go-to among healthy chicken recipes.

Time-Saving Tips

• Use pre-cut veg: Many supermarkets now offer ready-chopped mixes perfect for stir-frying.
• Meal prep chicken: Marinate and freeze chicken portions in advance to speed up weekday cooking.
• Non-stick cookware: Using a good-quality non-stick pan reduces the need for excess oil and prevents sticking.
• Batch cooking: Double the recipe for lunches or leftovers—it reheats well.

Nutritional Benefits

This one-pan wonder is balanced and nutrient-dense:

• Protein: Chicken provides lean, filling protein to keep you satisfied.
• Fibre and vitamins: Colourful vegetables add antioxidants, fibre, and key nutrients like vitamin C and potassium.
• Healthy fats: Olive oil offers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
• Low-carb option: Served on its own or over greens, it’s ideal for low-carb or high-protein diets.

Perfect for anyone seeking flavourful yet healthy chicken recipes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the pan: Spread ingredients out to allow browning, not steaming. If needed, cook in batches.
• Undercooked veg: Cut dense vegetables (like carrots or broccoli) into small pieces or pre-steam them.
• Dry chicken: Avoid overcooking—chicken should be golden outside and just white inside. Let it rest before serving.
• Too much oil: Stick to light drizzles; the moisture from veg will help sauté everything without excess fat.

A Family-Friendly Favourite

This dish is mild, colourful, and easy to adapt for kids:

• Skip spicy seasonings for younger eaters
• Add a drizzle of honey for sweetness
• Serve with pasta, noodles, or flatbread
• Let kids pick their own veg mix-in

For families trying to build better weeknight habits, this is one of the quick meals that feels like a win for everyone.

Conclusion: A Weeknight Winner

When you’re short on time but still in need of a nourishing, satisfying meal, this 15-minute one-pan chicken and veggies recipe does the trick. It’s simple to make, versatile and packed with flavour, and so it’s a writer that you can count on to find a regular place in your weekly rotation.

Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week ahead or just trying to make weeknights a little less stressful, this one is it: Quick, wholesome and undeniably good.