This baked chicken dinner is a simple yet delicious meal that combines tender chicken with flavorful vegetables. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner and can be prepared with minimal effort.
The recipe allows for customization with your choice of vegetables and seasonings, making it a versatile option for any palate.
Visual Appeal of the Dish
The presentation of baked chicken thighs alongside vibrant roasted vegetables creates a feast for the eyes.
With the chicken boasting a golden brown, crispy exterior, it invites diners to indulge.
The colorful medley of vegetables, glistening with olive oil, adds a touch of freshness and vitality to the plate.
This arrangement not only highlights the dish’s ingredients but also showcases the care taken in its preparation.
Garnished with fresh parsley, the dish exudes a rustic charm, especially when set against a warm wooden table, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Flavorful Ingredients
The combination of chicken thighs and seasonal vegetables brings together a delightful array of flavors.
Chicken thighs, known for their tenderness and juiciness, serve as the perfect protein base.
When seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme, they develop a savory depth that complements the natural sweetness of the roasted vegetables.
Mixed vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini, not only add color but also provide a variety of textures.
Drizzling them with olive oil before roasting helps to enhance their flavors while ensuring they caramelize beautifully in the oven.
Preparation Process
Preparing this dish is straightforward and requires minimal effort, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner.
Starting with preheating the oven sets the stage for perfectly baked chicken and vegetables.
Patting the chicken dry and rubbing it with a flavorful seasoning mixture ensures that every bite is packed with taste.
Arranging the vegetables in a baking dish and tossing them with olive oil and seasoning allows for even cooking.
Placing the seasoned chicken on top ensures that the flavors meld together as they bake, resulting in a harmonious dish.
Cooking Time and Serving Suggestions
With a total cooking time of approximately 40 minutes, this dish is quick to prepare and serve.
Once the chicken reaches the desired internal temperature, it’s essential to let it rest briefly before serving.
This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
Serving the dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley, adds a final touch of elegance.
Pairing it with a simple side salad or crusty bread can round out the meal, making it satisfying and wholesome.
Nutrition and Health Benefits
This baked chicken dinner not only pleases the palate but also offers a balanced nutritional profile.
With approximately 350 calories per serving, it provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates.
The inclusion of colorful vegetables contributes essential vitamins and minerals, promoting overall health.
Opting for chicken thighs, which are higher in fat than chicken breasts, can enhance flavor while still being part of a nutritious meal.
This dish strikes a balance between indulgence and health, making it a great choice for various dietary preferences.
Customization Options
One of the appealing aspects of this baked chicken dish is its versatility.
Home cooks can easily customize the vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal preference.
From root vegetables to leafy greens, the options are endless, allowing for creativity in the kitchen.
Moreover, adjusting the seasoning can cater to different taste profiles, whether one prefers a hint of spice or a more herbaceous flavor.
This adaptability makes the dish not only enjoyable but also a staple that can be revisited time and again with new twists.
Easy Baked Chicken with Vegetables Recipe
This dish features seasoned chicken thighs baked alongside a medley of seasonal vegetables, creating a wholesome and satisfying meal. The recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, etc.)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken thighs.
- Arrange the Vegetables: In a large baking dish, place the mixed vegetables. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Add the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the vegetables in the baking dish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 15g