Easy Baked Chicken, Potatoes, and Green Beans

Introduction

I’ve recently discovered a recipe that’s become an instant favorite in our household – Easy Baked Chicken, Potatoes, and Green Beans. It’s simple, satisfying, and the perfect one-pan dinner. My family loved how the chicken turned out juicy and flavorful, and the potatoes absorbed all the delicious flavors from the butter and Italian dressing mix. I wasn’t expecting such a tasty meal to come together so easily, but the combination of tender chicken, perfectly roasted potatoes, and green beans made for a hearty meal that everyone devoured. There were no leftovers – a true sign of a hit recipe!

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need:

• 2-3 Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• 3-5 Small to Medium Potatoes: These should be diced into small pieces so they cook at the same rate as the chicken.
• 2 Cans Green Beans: I used 1 1/2 cans, but you can adjust based on how many vegetables you’d like. You can also use fresh green beans if preferred.
• 1 Package of Dry Italian Dressing Mix: This gives the dish its signature flavor with the perfect balance of herbs and seasoning.
• 1 Stick of Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps everything bake together perfectly.

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for the meal to go in.
2. Prepare the Pan: Take a large baking pan or casserole dish and place your cubed chicken, diced potatoes, and drained green beans in the pan. Spread them evenly across the dish to ensure they cook uniformly.
3. Season the Dish: Open the packet of dry Italian dressing mix and sprinkle it generously over the chicken, potatoes, and green beans. This seasoning is the star of the dish, so make sure everything gets coated.
4. Add the Butter: Melt the butter and drizzle it evenly over the entire dish. This will help the ingredients cook and create a flavorful sauce that brings everything together.
5. Cover and Bake: Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for an hour and 10 minutes. The foil helps retain moisture, ensuring the chicken stays tender and the potatoes cook through without drying out.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Once the baking time is up, carefully remove the foil, and you’ll have a delicious, complete meal in one pan. The potatoes should be tender, the chicken cooked through, and the green beans well-seasoned.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: 430 calories (approximate)
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 5g
• Protein: 32g

(Note: These nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts and potatoes used.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

How to Serve

• As a Complete Meal: Serve directly from the baking pan for a simple and easy dinner.
• Add a Side Salad: A light green salad can be a refreshing side to balance the richness of the dish.
• Serve with Bread: A warm slice of garlic bread or a soft dinner roll pairs well with the savory flavors of this meal.
• Top with Cheese: If you love cheese, sprinkle some shredded Parmesan or mozzarella on top for a cheesy finish.

Additional Tips

1. Cut Ingredients Evenly: To ensure everything cooks evenly, try to cut the chicken and potatoes into similar-sized pieces.
2. Use Fresh Green Beans: While canned green beans work perfectly fine, fresh green beans can add a more vibrant flavor and texture to the dish.
3. Add More Vegetables: Feel free to throw in some carrots, bell peppers, or even onions for added variety and nutrition.
4. Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, substitute chicken breasts for thighs for a more juicy, tender result.
5. Adjust Seasoning: If you prefer a more intense flavor, feel free to add more Italian seasoning or even a dash of garlic powder to give it extra flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Low-Carb Version: Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets for a low-carb alternative that still provides a filling texture.
• Add Garlic: For an extra punch of flavor, sprinkle some garlic powder or freshly minced garlic over the top before baking.
• Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to spice things up and add a little heat to the dish.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and replace it with a protein like chickpeas or tofu, and add extra vegetables for a hearty vegetarian meal.
• Creamy Version: After baking, top the dish with a drizzle of heavy cream or add a dollop of sour cream for a richer flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• As Part of a Weeknight Dinner: This is an easy dish to make on a busy weeknight when you need something fast and comforting.
• Meal Prep: You can make a larger batch of this dish and divide it into containers for meal prep throughout the week.
• For a Holiday Dinner: While simple, this dish can be served as part of a holiday or special occasion spread, paired with a couple of festive sides.
• With a Simple Soup: Serve it as a main course alongside a light soup such as tomato soup or chicken noodle for a filling meal.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the leftovers for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to increase the baking time by about 15-20 minutes.

2. Can I use red potatoes instead of regular potatoes? Absolutely! Red potatoes work just as well and provide a slightly different texture.

3. Can I substitute the butter with olive oil? Yes, olive oil can be used as a substitute for butter if you prefer a healthier option or need to make it dairy-free.

4. Is it necessary to use Italian dressing mix? The Italian dressing mix is essential for the flavor profile, but if you don’t have it, you can make your own by combining dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme with garlic powder.

5. Can I add cheese to this dish? Yes! After baking, you can sprinkle shredded cheese (like mozzarella or Parmesan) over the dish and bake for an additional 5 minutes for a cheesy finish.

6. How do I prevent the potatoes from being too hard? Make sure to dice the potatoes into small, evenly sized pieces so they cook through at the same rate as the chicken.

7. Can I use other vegetables? Yes, you can substitute green beans with vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini.

8. Can I make this ahead of time? You can prepare everything and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking, but I recommend baking it fresh for the best texture.

9. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through? Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.

10. Can I double this recipe? Yes, simply use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time accordingly, checking that the chicken and potatoes are fully cooked.

Conclusion

Easy Baked Chicken, Potatoes, and Green Beans is a simple, comforting meal that comes together in just over an hour. With minimal prep and only a few ingredients, it’s a great go-to for busy nights or when you want a delicious and filling dinner with little effort. Whether you’re serving it on a weeknight or making it ahead for meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Don’t be surprised if you have no leftovers – it’s that good! So, next time you’re looking for an easy meal that everyone will love, give this baked chicken dish a try – it’s truly a winner.

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