Chicken and Vegetable Bake: A Quick and Delicious One-Dish Meal
Recipe Overview
This Chicken and Vegetable Bake is a delightful and satisfying one-dish meal that comes together with surprising ease, making it perfect for busy weeknights or any time you crave comfort food without the fuss. In just 50 minutes from start to finish, including both preparation and cooking, this recipe yields three hearty servings. It features tender chicken pieces enveloped in a creamy sauce, complemented by a medley of vegetables and topped with melty cheeses.
Cook Time: 30 Minutes
Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Total Time: 50 Minutes
Servings: 3
Recipe Description
I threw this recipe together on a whim last night, and it turned out to be a delicious surprise! What I love most about this dish is its simplicity—only about 20 minutes of prep time is needed before it bakes to perfection. It’s a flavorful, cheesy, and hearty meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces) | 1 pound |
| Dried basil | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried parsley | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Parmesan cheese | ½ cup |
| Cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
| Frozen mixed vegetables | 1 cup |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutritional Element | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 607 kcal |
| Total Fat | 37.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 16.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 123.2 mg |
| Sodium | 1653.2 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 29.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.3 g |
| Sugars | 2.1 g |
| Protein | 39.7 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a perfect cooking environment for your Chicken and Vegetable Bake.
-
Prepare the Chicken: Take your chicken and cut it into bite-sized pieces. You can opt for strips or chunks, depending on your preference. This step is crucial as it allows the chicken to cook evenly and blend well with the other ingredients.
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Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cut chicken with the cream of mushroom soup and the seasonings: dried basil, dried parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture until all the chicken pieces are thoroughly coated with the creamy soup and seasonings.
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Add Vegetables and Cheese: Incorporate the frozen mixed vegetables into the chicken mixture, followed by half of the cheddar cheese. Mixing in the veggies not only enhances the flavor but also adds color and nutrients to the dish.
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Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into a 13×9 inch baking pan. Ensure that it’s evenly spread out for uniform cooking.
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Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture, followed by the parmesan cheese. This cheesy layer will create a deliciously golden and crispy crust as it bakes.
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Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of your chicken pieces.
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Serve: Once done, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Cooking Tips
- Variations: Feel free to mix and match vegetables based on your preference. Broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers would all work wonderfully in this dish.
- Leftovers: This Chicken and Vegetable Bake stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Creamy Alternatives: If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Vegetable Bake not only satisfies the taste buds but also delights with its ease of preparation and minimal cleanup. It’s a fantastic go-to recipe for those nights when you need something comforting and filling without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!
