Easy Thing To Cook – 30-Minute One-Pan Dinner

Welcome to my kitchen! Today I'm sharing my go-to recipe for Easy Thing To Cook – a dish that lives up to its name. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

This one-pan wonder combines tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a savory sauce that comes together beautifully. It's versatile, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is foolproof. Let's get cooking!

About the Ingredients

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

Chicken breast is lean and cooks quickly. Substitute with chicken thighs for extra juiciness, or tofu for a vegetarian option.

2 tablespoons olive oil

Use extra virgin olive oil for best flavor; any neutral oil like canola or avocado works too.

1 medium onion, diced

Yellow or sweet onion adds a mild, sweet flavor. For a sharper taste, use red onion.

2 cloves garlic, minced

Fresh garlic is best, but 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder can be used in a pinch.

1 red bell pepper, sliced

Adds color and crunch. Any color bell pepper works; for heat, add a jalapeño.

1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved

Bursting with sweetness. If you don't have cherry tomatoes, chop 2 medium Roma tomatoes.

1 teaspoon dried oregano

A classic herb that pairs well with chicken. Use 1 tablespoon fresh oregano if you have it.

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Adds a smoky depth. Regular paprika or chili powder can be substituted.

1/2 teaspoon salt

Adjust to taste; sea salt or kosher salt recommended.

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Freshly ground for best flavor.

1/2 cup (120ml) low-sodium chicken broth

Keeps the dish moist and helps create a light sauce. Vegetable broth works too.

2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

Adds freshness. Cilantro or basil are great alternatives.

Tips & Tricks

• Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if needed to get a nice sear.
• Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika. This ensures every bite is flavorful.

2. Heat the Oil

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat (about 375°F / 190°C) until shimmering. The oil should sizzle when a piece of chicken is added.

3. Sear the Chicken

Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving, until golden brown on the bottom. Flip and cook another 4-5 minutes until browned on all sides and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from skillet and set aside.

4. Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, add onion and bell pepper. Cook over medium heat (350°F / 175°C) for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Add Tomatoes and Broth

Stir in cherry tomatoes and chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.

6. Return Chicken to Pan

Add the seared chicken back into the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Stir to coat in the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce has slightly thickened.

7. Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve hot over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread. Enjoy!

Delicious Variations

Make it creamy

Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a rich, creamy sauce.

Add more veggies

Throw in zucchini, mushrooms, or green beans along with the bell pepper.

Spice it up

Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for extra heat.

How to Store Easy Thing To Cook

Frequently Asked Questions

I hope you love this Easy Thing To Cook as much as I do! If you try it, don't forget to share your results in the comments below and tag me on social media. Happy cooking!

Easy Thing To Cook

Easy Thing To Cook is a simple, one-pan dinner that's ready in 30 minutes and packed with savory flavor.

★★★★½ 4.8 (156 ratings)

10 minPrep time20 minCook time4Servings285 kcalCalories

Print RecipePin Recipe

🧂 Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup (120ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

📋 Instructions

1. 1Season the Chicken — Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika. This ensures every bite is flavorful.
2. 2Heat the Oil — In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat (about 375°F / 190°C) until shimmering. The oil should sizzle when a piece of chicken is added.
3. 3Sear the Chicken — Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving, until golden brown on the bottom. Flip and cook another 4-5 minutes until browned on all sides and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. 4Sauté Aromatics — In the same skillet, add onion and bell pepper. Cook over medium heat (350°F / 175°C) for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. 5Add Tomatoes and Broth — Stir in cherry tomatoes and chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
6. 6Return Chicken to Pan — Add the seared chicken back into the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Stir to coat in the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce has slightly thickened.
7. 7Garnish and Serve — Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve hot over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread. Enjoy!

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: This recipe is a lifesaver on busy nights – simple, satisfying, and always a hit.

Servings: 4

Cuisine: American

Course: Dinner

Nutrition (per serving): 285 kcal · 28g protein · 12g carbs · 14g fat