Name: Quick Healthy Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Cook the Quinoa:; In a pot, combine rinsed quinoa and water or broth. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork.; Prepare the Chicken:; While quinoa cooks, season chicken breasts with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.; Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through. Squeeze lemon juice over top.; Steam the Veggies:; Steam mixed vegetables for 5–7 minutes until tender but still crisp.; Assemble:; Slice the chicken and serve over quinoa with a side of veggies. Drizzle with extra olive oil or a dollop of hummus for flavor.

Looking for a nutritious meal that comes together fast? This Quick Healthy Dinner is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. With lean protein, fresh vegetables, and wholesome ingredients, it delivers a balanced plate without sacrificing flavor or taking up your entire evening.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for when time is short but you still want to eat something healthy and homemade. It’s quick, uses simple pantry and fridge staples, and is easily customizable. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients—lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats—making it a complete, satisfying dinner that doesn’t weigh you down.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Skinless chicken breast or boneless chicken thighs
Olive oil
Garlic, minced
Mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, or carrots)
Cooked quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice
Soy sauce or coconut aminos
Lemon juice or balsamic vinegar
Salt and black pepper
Optional: fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or cilantro)

directions

Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
Remove chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add more oil if needed and stir-fry the mixed vegetables until tender-crisp, about 4–5 minutes.
Return the chicken to the skillet and drizzle with soy sauce (or coconut aminos) and lemon juice or vinegar.
Toss everything together and cook for another 2 minutes to blend flavors.
Serve hot over a bed of quinoa, rice, or cauliflower rice. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2–3 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas.
Seafood Twist: Use shrimp or salmon instead of chicken for a lighter protein.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chili paste while cooking.
Mediterranean Style: Use lemon juice, olives, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean flair.
Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or sautéed spinach instead of grains.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just add it to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking to warm through.

What vegetables work best for this dish?

Any quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, zucchini, or spinach work well.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep. Store in individual containers for quick lunches or dinners.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos to make it gluten-free.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Absolutely. Just make sure to thaw or cook off excess moisture so the dish doesn’t become watery.

What is the best substitute for quinoa?

Brown rice, couscous, bulgur, or cauliflower rice are all good alternatives.

Can I add a sauce?

Yes, try a light tahini dressing, a yogurt-based sauce, or even a drizzle of sriracha mayo.

Is it okay to bake instead of sauté?

Yes, you can bake the chicken and veggies at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes and toss them with the sauce afterward.

How do I make it dairy-free?

This recipe is naturally dairy-free unless you add cheese or creamy sauces—just omit them.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger skillet or cook in batches to ensure even cooking.

Conclusion

This Quick Healthy Dinner is proof that eating well doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With minimal prep and endless flexibility, it’s the kind of go-to meal you’ll want to keep in your weekly rotation. Whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself, this wholesome dish will satisfy your taste buds and fuel your body—all in under 30 minutes.

Quick Healthy Dinner