One-Pan Baked Chicken, Potatoes, and Green Beans Recipe

Dinner time in our house can often feel like a high-stakes juggling act. Between school runs, work deadlines, and after-school activities, the last thing I want to do is spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. That’s why I’m eternally grateful for recipes that are not only delicious and satisfying but also incredibly easy to throw together. And this One-Pan Baked Chicken, Potatoes, and Green Beans recipe? Let’s just say it’s become a weeknight superhero in our home. From the moment I first tried it, I knew it was a winner. The kids devoured it (even the green beans, surprisingly!), my husband raved about the flavor, and I was left with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity – everything cooks together on one pan, infused with fragrant Italian herbs and juicy butter. It’s hearty, wholesome, and bursting with flavor. If you’re searching for a fuss-free, family-friendly meal that delivers big on taste, look no further. This one-pan wonder is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen.

Ingredients

The magic of this One-Pan Baked Chicken, Potatoes, and Green Beans recipe truly starts with its humble yet powerful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a dish that is both nutritious and incredibly flavorful. Let’s break down each ingredient and explore why they are essential to this culinary success story.

• 1½ pounds chicken tenderloins: Chicken tenderloins are the star protein of this dish, and for good reason. They are lean, cook quickly and evenly, and absorb flavors beautifully. Their tender texture is particularly appealing, especially for families with children. When selecting chicken tenderloins, look for plump, pink pieces with no discoloration. Fresh, high-quality chicken will always yield the best results in terms of taste and texture. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into smaller pieces if tenderloins are not readily available, just be mindful that breasts might require slightly longer cooking time to ensure they are cooked through without drying out. Consider opting for organic or free-range chicken for enhanced flavor and ethical sourcing if it aligns with your preferences and budget.
• 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes (skins on or off): Yukon gold potatoes are the ideal choice for this recipe, and for many sheet pan dinners, due to their creamy texture and slightly sweet, buttery flavor. They hold their shape wonderfully during baking, becoming tender on the inside with perfectly slightly crisp edges. The ½-inch cube size is crucial for ensuring they cook at a similar rate to the chicken and green beans. Leaving the skins on not only saves prep time but also boosts the nutritional value, adding fiber and extra vitamins. However, if you prefer a smoother texture, feel free to peel them. Other potato varieties like red potatoes or fingerling potatoes would also work well, offering slightly different textures and flavor profiles. Avoid russet potatoes as they can become too dry and mealy in this type of cooking.
• 1 (12-ounce) bag frozen cut green beans, no need to thaw: Frozen green beans are a fantastic pantry staple that brings convenience and nutrition to this one-pan meal. They are picked at their peak ripeness and flash-frozen, preserving their nutrients and freshness. Using frozen green beans directly from the freezer eliminates a thawing step, streamlining the preparation process. Cut green beans are perfectly sized for this recipe, ensuring they cook evenly alongside the chicken and potatoes. If you prefer fresh green beans, you can certainly use them; just trim the ends and consider blanching them briefly for a few minutes before adding them to the baking dish to ensure they tenderize properly during baking. Other green vegetables like broccoli florets or asparagus spears could also be substituted for green beans, offering variations in flavor and texture.
• ½ cup melted butter: Butter is the secret ingredient that elevates this simple dish to something truly special. Melted butter not only adds richness and flavor but also helps to create a beautiful golden-brown crust on the chicken and vegetables. It acts as a flavor carrier, distributing the Italian seasonings evenly across all the components. Unsalted butter is recommended so you have better control over the salt content of the dish. For a dairy-free alternative, you can use olive oil or avocado oil; however, butter provides a distinct richness and flavor that is hard to replicate exactly. If using olive oil, consider using extra virgin olive oil for its superior flavor.
• ¾ teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder provides a foundational savory flavor that complements the Italian herbs beautifully. It’s easy to use and disperses evenly throughout the dish. While fresh garlic can be used, garlic powder offers a more consistent and mellow garlic flavor that won’t burn during baking. If you prefer fresh garlic, you can use 2-3 cloves of minced garlic, but add it towards the end of the baking time (around the last 20 minutes) to prevent it from burning.
• ¾ teaspoon onion powder: Onion powder adds another layer of savory depth and complexity to the seasoning blend. It works synergistically with the garlic powder and other herbs to create a well-rounded flavor profile. Similar to garlic powder, it’s convenient and ensures even flavor distribution. Freshly minced onion can be used as an alternative, but onion powder provides a more concentrated onion flavor that works particularly well in dry rubs and seasoning blends.
• 1½ teaspoons dried oregano: Dried oregano is a quintessential Italian herb that brings a warm, slightly peppery, and aromatic note to the dish. It is a key component of Italian seasoning blends and pairs perfectly with chicken, potatoes, and green beans. If using fresh oregano, use about 1 tablespoon, chopped finely, and add it towards the end of the cooking time to preserve its fresh flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon dried basil: Dried basil adds a sweet and slightly peppery herbaceousness that complements the oregano and other Italian herbs. It enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a bright and fragrant note. Fresh basil, about 1 tablespoon chopped, can be used as a garnish after baking to provide a fresh burst of flavor.
• ¾ teaspoon dried parsley: Dried parsley contributes a mild, fresh, and slightly grassy flavor that balances the bolder herbs. It adds a subtle brightness to the seasoning blend. Fresh parsley, about 2 tablespoons chopped, is excellent as a final garnish, adding both flavor and visual appeal.
• pinch dried thyme: A pinch of dried thyme adds a subtle earthy and slightly minty undertone that enhances the complexity of the Italian seasoning. Thyme is a robust herb that holds up well during baking and complements both chicken and vegetables. Fresh thyme sprigs can be used as well; about 2-3 sprigs placed in the baking dish will infuse the dish with their aroma.
• pinch celery seeds: Celery seeds, though used in a small amount, provide a unique savory and slightly bitter note that adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile. They are often overlooked but make a noticeable difference in enhancing the savory character of the dish.
• 1¼ teaspoons salt, or to taste (kosher salt recommended): Salt is essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients. Kosher salt is recommended because of its larger crystals, which are easier to pinch and distribute evenly. Adjust the amount of salt to your preference, always tasting and seasoning as you go.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste: Black pepper adds a subtle spice and enhances the overall flavor profile. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred for its more robust and aromatic flavor. Adjust the amount to your preference.

Instructions

Creating this One-Pan Baked Chicken, Potatoes, and Green Beans masterpiece is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve a perfectly cooked and flavorful meal every time.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating the oven is a critical first step. Ensuring your oven is at the correct temperature before you place the dish inside guarantees even cooking and prevents the food from steaming instead of baking. A consistent oven temperature is essential for achieving the desired texture and doneness for both the chicken and the vegetables.
2. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Coating your baking dish with cooking spray is crucial for preventing the chicken and vegetables from sticking to the bottom. This makes serving easier and simplifies cleanup significantly. Use a non-stick cooking spray for best results. You can also lightly grease the dish with olive oil or butter if you prefer.
3. Arrange the chicken tenderloins in a single layer down the center of the baking dish (longways). Placing the chicken tenderloins in a single layer ensures they cook evenly. Arranging them down the center allows for the potatoes and green beans to be placed on either side, maximizing surface area for browning and even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lead to steaming instead of baking and result in unevenly cooked food.
4. Arrange the potatoes evenly down one side of the dish and the green beans evenly down the other side of the dish, leaving the chicken in the middle exposed as much as you can. Separating the potatoes and green beans from the chicken, while still keeping them in the same pan, allows for each component to cook optimally. Potatoes need direct heat to become tender and slightly crispy, while green beans benefit from being spread out to roast properly rather than steam in their own moisture. Leaving the chicken exposed helps it to brown nicely and cook through without being smothered by the vegetables. Ensure the vegetables are in a single layer as much as possible for even roasting.
5. Pour the melted butter evenly over the chicken, potatoes, and green beans. Drizzling the melted butter over all the ingredients is a key step for flavor and texture. The butter adds richness, promotes browning, and helps the spices adhere to the chicken and vegetables. Make sure to distribute the butter evenly to coat all components of the dish.
6. Combine all of the spices in a small bowl; sprinkle them evenly over the chicken, potatoes, and green beans. Mixing the spices together in a bowl ensures a consistent and balanced flavor profile. Sprinkling them evenly over the entire dish guarantees that every bite is infused with the delicious Italian seasonings. Use your hands to gently toss the vegetables and chicken after sprinkling the spices to ensure they are well coated.
7. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Covering the baking dish with aluminum foil is essential for the initial cooking process. It traps steam, which helps to cook the chicken and potatoes through and tenderizes the vegetables. Ensure the foil is tightly sealed around the edges of the baking dish to prevent steam from escaping.
8. Bake for 1 hour or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the potatoes are tender. Baking for 1 hour is a general guideline, but cooking times can vary depending on oven calibration and the size of the chicken and potatoes. The most important indicator of doneness for chicken is its internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a tenderloin. Potatoes are done when they are easily pierced with a fork and are tender throughout. If you find the chicken is cooked through but the potatoes are not yet tender, you can remove the chicken and continue baking the potatoes until they are done. For a crispier finish, remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
9. Serve immediately. This One-Pan Baked Chicken, Potatoes, and Green Beans is best served immediately while it’s hot and the chicken is juicy and the vegetables are tender. Garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Understanding the nutritional profile of your meals is important, especially when aiming for balanced and healthy eating habits. This One-Pan Baked Chicken, Potatoes, and Green Beans recipe is not only delicious but also offers a good source of essential nutrients.

• Servings: 4
• Estimated Calories: 485 per serving

Each serving of this dish provides a substantial amount of protein from the chicken tenderloins, which is crucial for muscle building and satiety. Yukon gold potatoes provide carbohydrates for energy, along with potassium and vitamin C. Green beans are a good source of fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and folate. While butter adds flavor and richness, it also contributes fat, so it’s important to consider portion sizes if you are watching your fat intake.

This meal is relatively balanced, offering a good mix of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. To make it even healthier, you could consider:

• Reducing the amount of butter: Using less butter or substituting some of it with olive oil can lower the fat content.
• Adding more vegetables: Increase the amount of green beans or add other non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or onions to boost fiber and nutrient content.
• Using skinless chicken breasts: While tenderloins are lean, skinless chicken breasts are even leaner and can further reduce the fat content.
• Controlling salt intake: Be mindful of the amount of salt added, and use herbs and spices generously to enhance flavor without relying solely on salt.

Preparation Time

One of the biggest advantages of this One-Pan Baked Chicken, Potatoes, and Green Beans recipe is its minimal preparation time. Perfect for busy weeknights, you can have this wholesome meal ready in just over an hour, with most of that time being hands-off baking in the oven.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

The 10-minute prep time mainly involves chopping the potatoes, arranging the ingredients in the baking dish, melting the butter, and mixing the spices. The hour-long cook time is largely hands-off, allowing you to focus on other tasks while dinner is baking away in the oven. This makes it an incredibly efficient and convenient meal option for busy individuals and families.

How to Serve

This One-Pan Baked Chicken, Potatoes, and Green Beans is a complete meal in itself, but there are many ways to enhance your serving experience and create a truly memorable dinner. Here are some ideas:

• Classic and Simple:
  • Serve it straight from the baking dish for a rustic and family-style presentation.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives for a pop of color and freshness.
  • Offer a side of crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious buttery juices from the pan.
• Sauces and Dips:
  • Lemon wedges: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish just before serving to brighten the flavors.
  • Garlic aioli: A creamy garlic aioli adds richness and a garlicky kick.
  • Ranch dressing: A classic and kid-friendly option for dipping the chicken and potatoes.
  • Italian dressing: Drizzle a light Italian dressing over the dish for an extra layer of Italian flavor.
  • Pesto: A dollop of pesto on top of the chicken or potatoes adds a vibrant herbaceous note.
• Side Dishes (though often not needed!):
  • Side salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the baked dish.
  • Quinoa or couscous: For a heartier meal, serve alongside a side of quinoa or couscous to add more grains.
  • Roasted vegetables: If you want even more vegetables, consider roasting some additional vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini on a separate pan.
• Variations for Serving:
  • Shredded Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle freshly shredded Parmesan cheese over the dish during the last few minutes of baking or just before serving for a cheesy touch.
  • Red pepper flakes: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spice mixture or as a garnish for a touch of heat.
  • Fresh herbs: In addition to parsley, consider garnishing with fresh basil, oregano, or thyme for enhanced aroma and flavor.

Additional Tips for Perfection

While this recipe is incredibly easy to follow, these additional tips can help you take your One-Pan Baked Chicken, Potatoes, and Green Beans to the next level:

1. Don’t overcrowd the pan: Ensure that the chicken and vegetables are arranged in a single layer as much as possible. Overcrowding will lead to steaming instead of baking, resulting in less browning and potentially uneven cooking. If needed, use two baking dishes or cook in batches.
2. Cut potatoes uniformly: Cutting the potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes is crucial for even cooking. Consistent size ensures that all potato pieces become tender at the same time. Take a little extra time to chop them evenly.
3. Adjust seasoning to taste: The spice measurements in the recipe are a guideline. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your personal preferences. If you like more garlic, add more garlic powder. If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust the seasoning before baking, if possible.
4. Remove foil for browning: For a crispier finish on the chicken and potatoes, remove the aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This allows the dish to brown beautifully and develop a slightly crisp texture. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
5. Use a meat thermometer: The most accurate way to ensure your chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of a chicken tenderloin, and make sure it reaches 165°F (74°C). This guarantees food safety and prevents dry, overcooked chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions you might have about making One-Pan Baked Chicken, Potatoes, and Green Beans:

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenderloins?
A: Yes, you can absolutely use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into smaller, even pieces (about 1-inch thick) to ensure they cook through at a similar rate to the potatoes and green beans. Chicken breasts may take slightly longer to cook than tenderloins, so check for doneness with a meat thermometer, ensuring an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Q2: Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?
A: Yes, fresh green beans are a great alternative. Trim the ends of about 1 pound of fresh green beans. You can blanch them briefly in boiling water for 2-3 minutes and then shock them in ice water to retain their bright green color and crisp-tender texture before adding them to the baking dish. Alternatively, you can add them directly to the baking dish, but they may take slightly longer to become tender.

Q3: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: You can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Chop the potatoes and mix the spices in advance. You can also assemble the dish in the baking pan and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to a few hours before baking. However, it’s best to bake it fresh for the best texture and flavor. Cooked leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Q4: Can I substitute the Italian seasoning blend?
A: While the Italian seasoning blend is what gives this dish its classic flavor, you can certainly experiment with other spice combinations. For a different flavor profile, try using a Mediterranean blend with herbs like rosemary and thyme, or a Cajun spice blend for a spicier kick. You can also adjust the individual herbs in the recipe to suit your preferences.

Q5: Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
A: To make this vegetarian, you can replace the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. For a vegan version, use olive oil instead of butter and consider adding plant-based protein alternatives. Portobello mushrooms or large slices of eggplant would also be delicious vegetarian additions to roast with the potatoes and green beans, maintaining the one-pan concept. Adjust cooking time as needed for your chosen protein and vegetables.

This One-Pan Baked Chicken, Potatoes, and Green Beans recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to the fact that delicious and wholesome food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s a recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or anyone who appreciates simple, flavorful, and fuss-free cooking. Give it a try, and I’m confident it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen, just as it has in mine!

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