You know those nights when you want something delicious but donβt want to spend hours in the kitchen? This yummy dinners chicken recipe is my go-to solution β simple enough for busy weeknights but packed with so much flavor, it tastes like you fussed all day. Iβve been making this exact recipe for years, tweaking the spice blend until it was just right. My kids beg for it, and honestly? Itβs one of those rare dishes thatβs actually juicy every single time. The secretβs in the sear-and-bake method (and a few pantry staples you probably have right now). Trust me, after one bite, youβll understand why this chicken disappears faster than I can set the table!
Why Youβll Love This Yummy Dinners Chicken
This chicken recipe checks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight mealβhereβs why itβs become my familyβs favorite:
- Effortless prep: Just season, sear, and bakeβno fancy techniques required!
- Juicy every time: The broth-and-lemon baste keeps the chicken incredibly moist.
- Pantry-friendly spices: Uses staples you likely already have.
- Kid-approved: Mild but flavorful enough for picky eaters (my two can vouch for that!).
- Versatile: Pairs beautifully with almost any sideβfrom rice to roasted veggies.
Seriously, itβs the kind of reliable recipe youβll turn to again and again when you need something delicious FAST.
Ingredients for Yummy Dinners Chicken
Hereβs everything youβll need to make this simple but incredibly flavorful chicken dish. Iβve included little notes about why each ingredient matters β because trust me, they all play a special role!
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken fillets (about 6 oz each) β I like to pat them dry with paper towels first for a better sear
- 2 tbsp olive oil β Extra virgin works best for that rich flavor
- 1 tsp salt β Kosher salt is my go-to for even seasoning
- 1 tsp black pepper β Freshly ground makes all the difference
- 1 tsp garlic powder β The secret flavor booster (donβt skip!)
- 1 tsp paprika β Smoked paprika adds amazing depth if you have it
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme β Rub it between your fingers to release the oils
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano β Mediterranean vibes in every bite
- 1/2 cup chicken broth β Low-sodium so you control the saltiness
- 1 tbsp lemon juice β Freshly squeezed, about half a lemon
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) β Makes it pretty and adds a pop of freshness
See? Nothing crazy β just simple ingredients working together to create something truly special. Now letβs get cooking!
How to Make Yummy Dinners Chicken
Okay, letβs turn these simple ingredients into something magical! Iβll walk you through each step β itβs so easy, youβll have this golden, juicy chicken on the table before you know it.
- Prep the oven first! Turn it to 375Β°F (190Β°C) β this gives it time to heat up while you work on the chicken. I learned the hard way that a properly heated oven makes all the difference!
- Season like you mean it. Pat those chicken fillets dry (seriously, this helps them brown beautifully), then sprinkle both sides with all those lovely spices β salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, and oregano. I like to rub them in a bit to make sure every bite is flavorful.
- Get that perfect sear. Heat your olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When it shimmers (test with a drop of water β if it sizzles, youβre ready!), add the chicken. Donβt crowd the pan! Give each piece space so they brown properly. 3-4 minutes per side should give you that gorgeous golden crust weβre after.
- The magic liquid. Pour in your chicken broth and lemon juice β itβll sizzle and steam (stand back a little!). This keeps everything moist and creates the most delicious pan juices.
- Into the oven it goes! Slide the whole skillet in and bake for 20-25 minutes. The time depends on your chickenβs thickness β thatβs why I alwaysβ¦
- The most important step! Use a meat thermometer to check for 165Β°F (74Β°C) at the thickest part. No thermometer? The juices should run clear when pierced. Then take it out β the chicken keeps cooking a bit as it rests.
- Patience, grasshopper. Let it rest 5 minutes before serving. I know itβs tempting, but this lets the juices redistribute so every bite is perfect. Sprinkle with parsley if youβre feeling fancy!
Tips for Perfect Yummy Dinners Chicken
Here are my tried-and-true secrets for chicken that never fails to impress:
- Meat thermometer is your BFF β takes the guesswork out for perfectly cooked chicken every time
- Marinate it! Even 30 minutes in the fridge with the spices makes it extra flavorful
- Adjust the heat if the spices are browning too fast β medium works if your stove runs hot
- Same thickness = even cooking β pound thicker pieces to match thinner ones if needed
Serving Suggestions for Yummy Dinners Chicken
Oh, the possibilities! This juicy chicken plays so well with others. My familyβs absolute favorite combo? A pile of garlic mashed potatoes to soak up those delicious pan juices, plus some roasted carrots (hello, extra veggies the kids will actually eat). But donβt stop there β try it with:
- Fluffy jasmine rice β perfect for making a quick βbowlβ with leftover chicken
- Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts β their bitterness balances the chickenβs richness
- A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette β the fresh bite cuts through beautifully
- Crusty bread β because youβll want to mop up every last drop of sauce!
Honestly? This chickenβs so versatile, itβll make anything on the plate taste better. Even Tuesday night dinner feels special!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Hereβs how to keep your yummy dinners chicken tasting fresh for days (though in my house, leftovers never last that long!): Store cooled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. When reheating, my trick is to splash a teaspoon of broth or water over the chicken before microwaving in 30-second bursts β this keeps it juicy instead of dry. You can also warm slices gently in a skillet with a lid over low heat. Either way, the smell will have everyone asking βIs there more chicken?β all over again!
Nutritional Information
Hereβs the scoop on whatβs in each serving (based on one 6 oz chicken fillet): About 250 calories, 35g protein, and just 2g carbs. Remember β these are estimates and may change slightly depending on your exact ingredients. More importantly? Every bite tastes like comfort and joy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Iβve gotten so many questions about this recipe over the years β here are the ones that pop up most often with my tried-and-true answers:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs actually stay juicier because they have more fat. Just increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes since theyβre thicker. The skin-on variety gets extra crispy if thatβs your thing!
How do I prevent dryness?
Three secrets: 1) Donβt skip the sear (locks in juices), 2) Use that meat thermometer to avoid overcooking, and 3) Let it rest β those 5 minutes make all the difference in moisture.
Can I make this without an oven-safe skillet?
No worries! Just transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish before adding the broth and popping it in the oven. Iβve done this when cooking for crowds and it works great.
What if I donβt have fresh lemons?
Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch (use same amount), but fresh really brightens the flavor. No lemons at all? A splash of white wine or apple cider vinegar adds similar acidity.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! Cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently with a splash of broth to refresh the moisture.
Share Your Yummy Dinners Chicken
Did you make this recipe? Iβd love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below with your favorite twist or tag me on social media β nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen creations. Happy cooking!
Print
Juicy 6-Ingredient Yummy Dinners Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple and delicious chicken dish perfect for any dinner. Juicy and flavorful, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C).
- Season the chicken fillets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, and oregano.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Add chicken broth and lemon juice to the skillet.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165Β°F (74Β°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken fillet
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: yummy dinners chicken, easy chicken recipe, baked chicken