When life gets busy, a simple, wholesome meal is a lifesaver!
This baked chicken dinner is one of my go-tos because it’s easy to prep, hands-off to cook, and gives me extra chicken for quick meals during the week. It’s perfect for those days when I need a hearty, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick Prep: It only takes about 15 minutes to get everything ready.
- Set It and Forget It: The chicken needs 65 minutes to cook, which gives me time to do other things while it bakes.
- Meal Prep Bonus: Cooking two whole chickens means I have plenty of leftover chicken to use in salads, soups, wraps, or stir-fries throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 2 whole chickens (about 3-4 lbs each)
- olive oil
- garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large peeled (or not) sweet potatoes, cubed
- 2 large onions, chopped
- bag baby carrots or regular washed and chopped large
- 2 russet potatoes, washed and cubed
- feel free to mix and match veggies to what you have on hand
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F
2. Place all veggies in pan, drizzle with olive oil and seasonings. Mix.
3. Prep the chickens take out of packaging, removed giblets (save for making broth with carcasses). Place them in a large roasting pan.
3. Season chickens all over and inside
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) or juices run clear.
Tips for Busy Weeknights
- Double Up: Cooking two chickens at once means I can save the extra for meals throughout the week. Leftovers can be shredded and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- I shred the chicken right after dinner to make it easy to use during the week.
Here’s how I use the extra chicken:
- Quick Chicken Tacos: Shredded chicken, salsa, cheese, and your favorite toppings.
- Chicken quesadilla: place one tortilla in pan, top with salsa or tomato sauce, chicken and shredded cheese. Top with another tortilla and cook until cheese is melted and tortilla is golden.
- Chicken Caesar Salad: Toss with romaine, parmesan, croutons, and Caesar dressing.
- Easy Stir-Fry: Sauté with veggies and a simple sauce for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Chicken Soup: Perfect for a cozy, nourishing meal.
Final Thoughts
This simple baked chicken dinner is more than just a one-time meal; it’s a solution for busy weeks. With minimal prep and leftovers that can be repurposed in endless ways, it’s a staple in my kitchen that I hope you’ll love too.
Have you tried this recipe or something similar? Let me know how you make it your own!
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