The Ultimate Easy Dinner Recipe for Busy Nights
If you’re searching for an easy dinner recipe that’s not only delicious but also requires minimal cleanup, you’re in for a treat. This one-pan garlic butter chicken with roasted vegetables is one of the most satisfying and practical meals you can make—perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or even impressing dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Here at Uneran.com, I specialize in bringing you chef-tested, flavor-packed recipes that anyone can make at home. This recipe is one of my go-to solutions for when I want something comforting, nourishing, and simple.
Why One-Pan Meals Are a Game-Changer
Let’s face it—life is busy. Between work, family, and everything in between, spending hours cooking and cleaning just isn’t always realistic. That’s where one-pan meals come in. They’re convenient, time-saving, and usually require fewer dishes (yes, please!).
What makes this one-pan garlic butter chicken recipe stand out?
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It’s packed with flavor thanks to a rich, herby garlic butter rub.
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You get a full meal—protein, vegetables, and carbs—all in one tray.
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The oven does the heavy lifting while you relax (or multitask).
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It’s customizable to your taste or dietary needs.
The Inspiration Behind This Recipe
As a professional chef, I always aim to create recipes that work in real kitchens. I developed this dish out of a need for something comforting, versatile, and fail-proof—something that feels like a hearty homemade meal without the stress.
It’s also an ideal way to use up whatever veggies you have on hand. The star of the show is the chicken, coated in a garlicky, buttery blend that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. The result? A juicy, tender protein with golden, perfectly roasted veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for more flavor)
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Vegetables:
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2 cups baby potatoes, halved
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1 cup broccoli florets
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1 cup carrots, sliced into ½-inch pieces
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon dried herbs (like thyme or rosemary)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Make the Garlic Butter
In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of softened butter with the minced garlic, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture will act as your flavorful rub for the chicken.
3. Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels (this helps them brown better). Rub the garlic butter mixture generously over both sides of each chicken piece. Set aside.
4. Prep the Vegetables
In a mixing bowl, toss the potatoes, carrots, and broccoli with olive oil, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Make sure all the veggies are evenly coated.
5. Assemble the Sheet Pan
Place the chicken in the center of the baking sheet and arrange the vegetables around it. Try not to overcrowd the pan to allow everything to roast evenly.
6. Bake to Perfection
Place the tray in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are fork-tender and golden brown.
For an extra crisp finish, switch your oven to broil mode for the last 2–3 minutes of cooking.
7. Finish with Butter and Serve
Remove the sheet pan from the oven and immediately top the hot chicken with the remaining tablespoon of butter. Let it melt into the meat for an added layer of flavor and richness.
Recipe Tips & Variations
This recipe is highly flexible. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
Protein Swaps:
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Use boneless chicken thighs for juicier meat.
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Swap chicken for salmon or pork chops and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Vegetable Options:
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Try bell peppers, zucchini, green beans, or Brussels sprouts.
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Go seasonal: Use sweet potatoes in fall, asparagus in spring.
Flavor Boosters:
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Add lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
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Mix fresh parsley, dill, or chives into the butter for a fresh herb finish.
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Drizzle with a little balsamic glaze or honey mustard for a sweet-savory touch.
Health Benefits
This one-pan meal is not only easy—it’s nutritious too:
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High in protein from lean chicken
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Loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals from fresh vegetables
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Lower in carbs and naturally gluten-free (depending on your additions)
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To Store:
Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Reheat:
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Oven: Reheat at 350°F until warmed through (10–15 minutes).
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Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
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Air Fryer: Perfect for crisping up the veggies again.
This dish also makes a fantastic meal prep option—just portion into containers and refrigerate!
Serving Suggestions
Pair your one-pan garlic butter chicken with:
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A simple side salad
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Fresh crusty bread or garlic toast
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A light vinaigrette or dipping sauce
It’s also excellent over rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.
Why This Easy Dinner Recipe Works So Well
In a world of complicated, time-consuming meals, this one delivers everything you need in just one pan:
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Saves time and dishes
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Delivers flavor and satisfaction
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Feeds the whole family with ease
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Works year-round with seasonal ingredients
And most importantly, it’s the kind of recipe that feels like a win—whether you’re cooking for yourself, your partner, or your entire household.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking for a way to simplify your weeknight dinners without sacrificing taste, this one-pan garlic butter chicken with roasted vegetables is your new best friend. It’s cozy, customizable, and completely foolproof—even for beginners.
Pin it, cook it, love it — and don’t forget to check back here at Uneran.com for more easy dinner recipes you’ll want to make again and again.