Easy One Pot Chicken Breast Ideas for Busy Weeknights
When it comes to weeknight dinners, simplicity is key. One pot meals not only save time but also minimize cleanup, making them a favorite among busy families. Chicken breast is a versatile protein that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully, making it an ideal choice for one pot recipes. In this article, we will explore 10 easy one pot chicken breast ideas that are sure to satisfy your cravings while fitting seamlessly into your hectic schedule.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Season the chicken breasts with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Push the onion mixture to the side and add the chicken breasts to the pot.
- Brown the chicken on both sides for about 4-5 minutes each.
- Stir in the bell pepper and broccoli florets.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bringing everything to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- If using, stir in the cooked rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
1. Creamy One Pot Chicken Pasta
This creamy chicken pasta is a comforting dish that comes together in just one pot. The sauce is rich and flavorful, and the pasta cooks right in the same pot, absorbing all the delicious chicken juices. Ideal for busy evenings, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook until the chicken is browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally.
- Once the pasta is al dente, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Serve hot with extra cheese if desired.
2. Lemon Garlic One Pot Chicken and Rice
This lemon garlic chicken and rice dish is refreshing and satisfying. The tangy lemon flavor combined with garlic creates a delightful aroma, and the rice absorbs all the savory juices from the chicken. Perfect for a light yet filling dinner.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add to the pot.
- Brown the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in the rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Cook for 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Fluff the rice and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
3. One Pot Chicken Stir-Fry
This one pot chicken stir-fry is a quick and colorful meal loaded with vegetables. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover veggies in your fridge. This dish is not only healthy but also incredibly satisfying!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
- Add sliced chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional minute.
- Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, cornstarch, and chicken broth.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve over cooked rice.
4. Spicy One Pot Chicken and Beans
This spicy chicken and beans dish is packed with flavor and nutrition. The combination of spices and beans makes it hearty and fulfilling, while still being easy to prepare. It’s perfect for those who love a little heat in their meals.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add cubed chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Add black beans and diced tomatoes to the pot.
- Bring to a simmer and cover, cooking for 20 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
5. Mediterranean One Pot Chicken and Couscous
This Mediterranean chicken and couscous dish is fragrant and filling. The combination of spices, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes brings a taste of the Mediterranean right to your dinner table. It’s a great option for a quick weeknight meal.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup couscous
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup olives, sliced
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Add chicken to the pot and brown for 5 minutes on each side.
- Add couscous, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Cook for 15 minutes until the couscous is fluffy and the chicken is cooked through.
- Fluff couscous with a fork and serve.
6. One Pot Chicken Fajitas
These one pot chicken fajitas are a fun and flavorful dinner option. With tender chicken and colorful bell peppers, this dish is quick to prepare and bursting with Tex-Mex flavor. Serve it with tortillas for an easy meal everyone will love.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortillas for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add sliced chicken, bell peppers, and onion.
- Sprinkle with fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Serve in warm tortillas.
7. One Pot BBQ Chicken and Potatoes
This BBQ chicken and potatoes dish is a crowd-pleaser. The smoky BBQ flavor combined with tender chicken and hearty potatoes makes for a satisfying meal. It’s perfect for a casual dinner or a weekend gathering.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper.
- Brown chicken for about 5 minutes on each side.
- Add diced potatoes, BBQ sauce, and chicken broth to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Cook for 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
- Serve hot with additional BBQ sauce if desired.
8. One Pot Chicken and Vegetable Soup
This comforting chicken and vegetable soup is perfect for chilly nights. Packed with nutrients and flavor, it’s a wholesome meal that comes together easily in one pot. Enjoy it with crusty bread for a complete dinner.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5 minutes.
- Add chicken breasts and season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Shred the chicken and return it to the pot. Serve hot.
9. One Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli
This honey garlic chicken and broccoli dish is a sweet and savory delight. The sauce is sticky and flavorful, making it a hit with both kids and adults. It’s an easy way to get your veggies in while enjoying a delicious meal.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add cubed chicken and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in honey and soy sauce, cooking until the chicken is fully coated.
- Add broccoli and cover, cooking for 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Serve hot with rice or noodles.
10. One Pot Chicken Tikka Masala
This one pot chicken tikka masala is a flavorful twist on a classic Indian dish. The creamy tomato sauce is rich and aromatic, while the chicken stays tender and juicy. Serve it with rice or naan for a complete meal.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
