This vibrant and flavorful chicken, green bean, and tomato tray bake is the perfect solution for a quick, healthy, and delicious weeknight dinner. Minimal prep, maximum taste – this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It's also highly adaptable, allowing you to customize it with your preferred herbs and spices.
What Makes This Recipe So Great?
This tray bake boasts several advantages:
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is a huge plus, especially after a long day. Everything cooks together on a single sheet pan, simplifying the cooking process and reducing the mess.
- Healthy and Flavorful: Packed with lean protein from the chicken, fiber-rich green beans, and antioxidant-rich tomatoes, this dish is a nutritious and satisfying meal. The combination of flavors creates a delicious and well-balanced taste profile.
- Easy to Customize: Easily adapt this recipe to your preferences. Add different vegetables, experiment with herbs and spices, or change the protein entirely (try sausage or halloumi!).
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time means you can get this meal on the table quickly, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the ingredients: Wash and trim the green beans. Halve the cherry or grape tomatoes if they're large.
- Combine everything: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces, green beans, and tomatoes with olive oil, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Spread on the baking sheet: Arrange the mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp. Internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Add them to the baking sheet frozen, and they might need an extra 5-10 minutes of cooking time. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to experiment! Bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and potatoes all work well in this tray bake. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as some vegetables will cook faster than others.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead of time – wash, chop, and measure everything – and store them separately in the refrigerator. Combine and bake just before serving for the best results.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is cooked through when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check. The juices should also run clear when pierced with a fork.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! Use about 2-3 times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried herbs. For example, use 2 tablespoons of fresh oregano instead of 1 tablespoon of dried oregano.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: Ensure the chicken and vegetables are in a single layer for even cooking. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste: Feel free to add more or less of any spice to suit your preference.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end adds a burst of brightness and acidity to the dish.
This chicken, green bean, and tomato tray bake is a simple, healthy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy!
