5 Easy Dinners: Chicken, Tomatoes, Frozen Veggies

In the rush of daily life, putting together a quick yet nutritious dinner can often feel like a daunting task. However, with just a few staple ingredients like chicken, tomatoes, and frozen vegetables, you can whip up delicious meals that are not only easy to make but also healthy and satisfying. Here are five simple dinner recipes that you can try:

1. Tomato Basil Chicken Skillet

Start with an easy recipe that brings out the vibrant flavors of tomatoes:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups chopped tomatoes
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (like peas and carrots)
• ¹⁄₂ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

To prepare:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until chicken is cooked through.
2. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add tomatoes and cook until they start to break down. Include frozen vegetables, cover, and let it cook for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Return chicken to the skillet, add basil, and let everything simmer for 2 more minutes.

2. Lemon Garlic Chicken with Vegetables

This dish features a zesty lemon flavor which complements the chicken perfectly:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup of frozen broccoli and cauliflower mix
• 1⁄2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Here’s how to make it:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix lemon juice, zest, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss chicken in this mixture to coat.
3. On a baking sheet, arrange chicken, frozen vegetables, and tomatoes. Drizzle with the remaining lemon mixture.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked and the vegetables are tender.

3. Creamy Chicken and Tomato Soup

For a comforting meal, this creamy soup blends chicken, tomatoes, and veggies:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 cup heavy cream or milk for creaminess
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt, pepper, and basil for seasoning

To prepare:

1. In a pot, cook the onions in a bit of olive oil until soft. Add chicken and cook until browned.
2. Add tomatoes, broth, frozen vegetables, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and basil. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Stir in heavy cream or milk, heat through, and serve hot.

4. Chicken Stir-Fry with Frozen Veggies

Fast, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights:

• 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 2 cups frozen stir-fry vegetables
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1⁄2 cup chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

How to cook:

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, and chicken stock.
2. Heat oil in a wok or large pan, stir-fry chicken until nearly cooked. Add vegetables and tomatoes, cook for 3-4 minutes.
3. Pour the sauce over, stir, and cook until the sauce thickens.

5. Chicken Puttanesca with Frozen Vegetables

This rich and tangy dish can be ready in no time:

• 2 chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 cup frozen mixed Mediterranean vegetables
• 1⁄4 cup capers
• 1⁄4 cup olives, pitted and sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes to taste

To prepare:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
2. Add tomatoes, vegetables, capers, olives, and seasoning. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until chicken is cooked and sauce is reduced.
3. Serve over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

With these five recipes, you can enjoy a variety of flavors using basic ingredients, making dinner preparation a breeze. Whether you're craving something creamy or tangy, or just want a quick stir-fry, these meals are sure to satisfy.

In recapitulation, these five chicken dinner ideas leverage the simplicity of tomatoes and frozen vegetables to create diverse dishes that are quick to prepare yet full of flavor. Each recipe showcases how you can turn everyday ingredients into something special, proving that a delicious dinner doesn't need to be complicated.

Can I use different types of frozen vegetables in these recipes?

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Absolutely! While these recipes suggest specific mixes, you can substitute with any frozen vegetable blend you prefer. Just ensure they cook evenly with the rest of the ingredients.

What are some healthy alternatives to using cream in the soup?

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For a lighter option, consider using low-fat milk or a milk alternative like almond or oat milk. You can also try blending part of the soup with some cooked vegetables to give it a creamy texture without the heavy cream.

Can these recipes be made ahead and reheated?

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Yes, most of these dishes can be made ahead. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep the consistency right.

Is there a way to make these recipes vegetarian?

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You can easily make these meals vegetarian by replacing the chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas. Just adjust the cooking time to accommodate these substitutes.

How can I add more flavor to these dishes?

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Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, or add a splash of balsamic vinegar, a spoonful of mustard, or some cheese for extra zest and depth of flavor.