Easy Dinner Ideas at Home
Highlighted under: Quick & Easy
Discover simple and delicious dinner ideas that you can whip up at home with ease.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying. It combines fresh ingredients and simple techniques to create a meal that everyone will love.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare in under an hour
- Versatile ingredients that you can customize to your taste
- Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings
A Quick and Convenient Meal
When time is of the essence, this easy dinner idea comes to the rescue. With a total prep and cook time of under an hour, you can have a delicious, homemade meal on the table without the stress. Whether you're coming home from a long day at work or need to feed a hungry family, this recipe is designed for efficiency and flavor. No need for elaborate preparations; just a few fresh ingredients and you’re ready to create a satisfying dish.
This recipe not only saves time but also minimizes cleanup. Utilizing just one skillet, you can cook your protein and vegetables together, allowing their flavors to meld beautifully. This means fewer dishes and more time to relax after dinner. Plus, the simplicity of this recipe makes it approachable for cooks of all skill levels, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to improve their weeknight dining.
Endless Customization
One of the best aspects of this easy dinner recipe is its versatility. The base ingredients—chicken, broccoli, and bell peppers—can be swapped out for whatever you have on hand or prefer. Try using shrimp, tofu, or beef, and switch up the veggies with snap peas, carrots, or zucchini. This adaptability allows you to cater to dietary preferences or seasonal produce, making this dish a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Additionally, the sauce can be easily modified to suit your taste. Want a little kick? Add some red pepper flakes or sriracha. Prefer a sweeter touch? Adjust the honey levels or add a dash of orange juice. By experimenting with different ingredients and flavors, you can transform this dish into a new favorite each time you make it.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this easy dinner idea fits the bill. It’s hearty enough to satisfy those with larger appetites while remaining light and healthy, making it suitable for all occasions. Serve it on a casual weeknight or impress guests at a dinner party—this dish is versatile enough to shine in both settings.
Moreover, this recipe can easily be doubled or tripled, making it ideal for meal prepping. Cook a larger batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day or freeze portions for a quick dinner in the future. This not only saves time but also ensures you have a healthy meal ready to go whenever you need it.
Ingredients
For the Main Dish
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Make sure to have all ingredients ready before you start cooking.
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by washing and chopping all vegetables and cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Add Vegetables
Add the garlic, broccoli, and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, and chicken broth. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything.
Serve
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Serve hot with rice or noodles.
Enjoy your delicious and easy dinner!
Nutritional Benefits
This easy dinner recipe packs a nutritional punch with lean protein from the chicken and a variety of vitamins from the colorful vegetables. Broccoli is rich in vitamins C and K, while bell peppers add a dose of antioxidants. Together, they create a balanced meal that supports overall health and well-being.
Additionally, using a homemade sauce allows you to control the ingredients and reduce added sugars and preservatives often found in store-bought sauces. This means you can enjoy a delicious meal without compromising on health.
Serving Suggestions
While this dish is delightful on its own, consider serving it with a side of steamed rice or whole grain noodles to round out the meal. For a lighter option, serve it over a bed of quinoa or cauliflower rice. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions can add an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Pair this dish with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce. Drinks like iced tea or a light white wine can complement the meal beautifully, enhancing the dining experience.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables work well and can save you time on prep.
→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
→ What can I serve this with?
This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or noodles.
→ Can I prepare this in advance?
You can chop the vegetables and marinate the chicken in advance to save time.
Easy Dinner Ideas at Home
Discover simple and delicious dinner ideas that you can whip up at home with ease.
Created by: Brittany Shaw
Recipe Type: Quick & Easy
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Main Dish
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
How-To Steps
Begin by washing and chopping all vegetables and cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Add the garlic, broccoli, and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, and chicken broth. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Serve hot with rice or noodles.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 60g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 30g