Healthy dinner recipes are sometimes hard to come by. Finding something that’s both nutritious and appealing to the whole family feels like striking gold. But what if I told you that delicious, satisfying, and healthy dinners could be a regular part of your week? I’m sharing one of my favorite healthy dinner recipes today that hits all the right notes: flavor, nutrition, and ease of preparation. It’s a recipe close to my heart, inspired by my grandmother’s passion for fresh ingredients and simple, wholesome meals. Let’s get cooking!
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This healthy dinner recipes Recipe
This recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Not only is it incredibly quick to put together, but it’s also packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor. Think of it as comfort food you can feel good about eating! I remember my kids being picky eaters, but this dish was always a hit. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined with love and a little creativity, can create magic in the kitchen.
It’s also versatile and can be easily modified to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs. Use this recipe as a starting point and let your creativity run wild.
Ingredients Needed for This healthy dinner recipes Recipe
- For the Chicken:
* 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Vegetables:
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 red bell pepper, sliced
* 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
* 1 zucchini, sliced
* 1 red onion, sliced
* 2 cups broccoli florets
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- For Serving:
* Cooked quinoa or brown rice
* Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
How to Make This healthy dinner recipes Recipe
- 1. Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- 2. Sauté the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- 3. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and broccoli florets. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- 4. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- 5. Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the flavors are well combined and the vegetables are tender.
- 6. Serve: Serve the healthy and family-friendly dinner recipes over cooked quinoa or brown rice. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy your easy healthy dinner!
Looking for a great side dish? Try these Quick Sourdough Discard Recipes and make a meal the family will love.
How to Serve This healthy dinner recipes Recipe
This chicken and vegetable skillet is wonderful served over a bed of fluffy quinoa or brown rice. The grains soak up all the delicious sauce, creating a satisfying and complete meal. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can add a burst of freshness.
For a more substantial meal, consider adding a side of crusty bread to soak up the remaining sauce. Consider roasting the chicken and vegetables, which provides a unique nutty taste to the recipe.
How to Store This healthy dinner recipes Recipe
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed. Be sure to check out these Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe For A Healthy Dinner if you are in the mood for more healthy recipes.
Tips to Make This healthy dinner recipes Recipe
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. Carrots, green beans, or spinach would all be great additions.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
- Chicken Alternative: This recipe also works well with turkey, shrimp, or tofu.
- Extra Flavor: For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the skillet when sautéing the vegetables.
Helpful Notes for This healthy dinner recipes Recipe
- Chicken Broth: Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control the salt content of the dish. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Quinoa: Quinoa is an excellent source of protein and fiber. Be sure to rinse it well before cooking to remove any bitterness.
- Want a romantic dinner for two? Browse these Romantic Dinner Recipes.
Variation of This healthy dinner recipes Recipe
- Mediterranean Twist: Add olives, feta cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or Greek yogurt at the end for a creamier sauce.
- One-Pan Wonder: Roast the chicken and vegetables together on a sheet pan for an even easier cleanup. Toss the ingredients with olive oil and seasoning, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
What are some quick and healthy dinner recipes?
There are many quick and healthy options for dinner, such as sheet pan meals with roasted vegetables and protein, stir-fries with lean meats, or even a simple salad with grilled chicken or fish. Look for recipes that require minimal prep time and utilize readily available ingredients.
How can I make dinner healthier without sacrificing flavor?
To make dinner healthier without sacrificing flavor, focus on using fresh herbs and spices, reducing sodium and sugar intake, and incorporating plenty of vegetables. Opt for lean proteins and whole grains to increase the nutritional value of your meals.
What are some kid-friendly healthy dinner recipes?
Kid-friendly healthy dinner recipes include options like baked chicken nuggets with sweet potato fries, homemade pizzas with whole wheat crust and plenty of vegetable toppings, or pasta dishes with hidden vegetables in the sauce. Presentation and involving kids in the cooking process can also encourage them to try new healthy foods.
How many calories should a healthy dinner have?
The ideal calorie count for a healthy dinner varies depending on individual factors like age, gender, activity level, and overall health goals. However, a general guideline is to aim for around 400-600 calories per meal to support a balanced diet.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making and eating this healthy and nutritious dinner! It’s a recipe that embodies the joy of home cooking: simple ingredients, bold flavors, and a whole lot of love. This family-friendly meal is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, giving you one less thing to worry about on busy weeknights. Try these healthy dinner recipes tonight and let me know what you think in the comments below! Bon appétit!
Healthy Dinner Recipes: 30 Easy Family-Friendly Meals
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick and easy chicken and vegetable skillet, perfect for a healthy and family-friendly dinner. Packed with nutrients and flavor, this recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Cooked quinoa or brown rice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the chicken cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and broccoli florets. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the flavors are well combined and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve over cooked quinoa or brown rice. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
