Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my all-time favorite weeknight dinner: Italian butter baked chicken with veggies! This dish has quickly become a staple in my kitchen, and I can’t get enough of it. Imagine juicy chicken breasts bathed in rich, creamy butter, surrounded by vibrant, colorful vegetables. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a comforting, hearty meal that’s not only delicious but also super easy to whip up. Seriously, it takes me just about 10 minutes to prep, and then it bakes away while I relax or tidy up. Plus, it’s packed with healthy ingredients like lean protein and fresh veggies, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Trust me, you’re going to want to add this to your rotation!
Ingredients List
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
How to Prepare *Italian Butter Baked Chicken Veggies*
Alright, let’s dive into the deliciousness of preparing this Italian butter baked chicken with veggies! It’s straightforward and oh-so-satisfying. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering dish in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect bake on your chicken and veggies.
- While the oven is heating up, grab a baking dish and melt your 1/2 cup of unsalted butter right in there. I like to pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Just enough to make it nice and liquid, but not bubbling.
- Now, let’s season those 4 chicken breasts! Sprinkle them generously with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Make sure to coat them well—this is where the flavor magic happens!
- Place the seasoned chicken directly into the melted butter in the baking dish. You want that buttery goodness to soak in while it cooks.
- Next, toss in your 2 cups of mixed vegetables around the chicken. I love using bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots for their vibrant colors and flavors.
- Don’t forget to sprinkle the 4 minced cloves of garlic over everything. It’s going to make your kitchen smell heavenly!
- Now, pop the dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and the veggies tender. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for the chicken.
- Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish with some fresh parsley for that extra pop of color.
And there you have it! A delicious, buttery, Italian-inspired meal that’s as easy as it is satisfying. Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a hearty meal baking away while you unwind.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of buttery chicken and roasted veggies creates a mouthwatering harmony of flavors.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and fresh veggies, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious.
- Versatile: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or serve it alongside rice or pasta for a complete meal.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone will love this comforting dish, making it perfect for weeknight dinners!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just a guideline rather than an exact science. For one serving of Italian butter baked chicken with veggies (that’s one chicken breast and a generous helping of mixed vegetables), you can expect the following typical nutritional values:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 500mg
This dish is not only tasty but also provides a wonderful balance of protein and veggies, making it a great choice for a wholesome meal!
Tips for Success
To get the best results with your Italian butter baked chicken and veggies, here are a few tips to keep in mind! First, always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—165°F (74°C) is the magic number for perfectly cooked chicken. If you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to swap out the mixed veggies for your favorites; broccoli, asparagus, or even sweet potatoes work beautifully! And for a complete meal, consider serving this dish over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside some al dente pasta to soak up that delicious buttery sauce. Enjoy cooking!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making Italian butter baked chicken with veggies? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear about this delicious dish:
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely! Frozen mixed vegetables work great in this recipe. Just toss them in straight from the freezer, and they’ll thaw and cook beautifully in the oven.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No problem! You can create your own mix using dried oregano, basil, thyme, and a pinch of rosemary. It’ll give you that lovely Italian flavor without the pre-made seasoning.
Can I marinate the chicken beforehand?
Definitely! Marinating the chicken for a few hours in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs will add even more flavor. Just be sure to pat it dry before adding it to the butter.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients in Italian butter baked chicken with veggies are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe choice for anyone with gluten sensitivities.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, ensure the juices run clear when you cut into the thickest part of the chicken.
These tips should help you make this delightful dish with confidence! Enjoy every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers from your Italian butter baked chicken with veggies can be stored easily! Just let the dish cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken and veggies in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep everything moist and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but I find the oven keeps the chicken juicy and veggies tender. Enjoy your leftovers just as much as the first time around!
Print
Italian Butter Baked Chicken Veggies: 7 Flavorful Secrets
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful Italian butter baked chicken with vegetables.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, carrots)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Melt the butter in a baking dish.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Place the chicken in the baking dish over the melted butter.
- Add the mixed vegetables around the chicken.
- Sprinkle minced garlic over the chicken and vegetables.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust vegetables based on preference.
- Use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness.
- This dish pairs well with rice or pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with vegetables
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: italian butter baked chicken veggies