Easy Foods To Make – 30-Minute Family Dinner

Hi, I'm Marta! Some evenings, I stare into the fridge and think, 'What foods can I make that are quick and satisfying?' This recipe is my answer—a one-pan wonder that's been on repeat in my home for years.

It's a flexible base of protein, veggies, and a savory sauce that comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a no-fuss dinner that everyone will actually eat.

I love that it uses pantry staples and whatever veggies you have on hand. It's the kind of meal that makes you feel like a hero in the kitchen without breaking a sweat.

About the Ingredients

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed

Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness if you prefer. Cut into uniform cubes for even cooking.

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

Extra virgin olive oil adds flavor; avocado oil also works for high-heat cooking.

1 medium onion, chopped

Yellow or sweet onion works best. Use shallots for a milder taste.

3 cloves garlic, minced

Fresh garlic is best, but 1 teaspoon garlic powder can substitute in a pinch.

1 red bell pepper, sliced

Any color bell pepper works; use green for a slightly bitter note.

1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved

Grape tomatoes are a good substitute. In winter, use canned diced tomatoes, drained.

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Use 1 tablespoon fresh oregano if available. Italian seasoning works too.

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Regular paprika works, but smoked adds a lovely depth. Use sweet if you prefer mild.

1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Sea salt or kosher salt is great. Adjust based on your dietary needs.

1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

Always grind fresh for best flavor. Pre-ground works in a pinch.

1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken broth

Vegetable broth works for a vegetarian version. Use homemade if you have it.

2 cups (60g) fresh spinach

Baby spinach wilts quickly. Kale or Swiss chard can substitute, but cook a few extra minutes.

Tips & Tricks

• Cut chicken into even cubes so they cook uniformly and stay tender.
• Preheat the skillet before adding oil to prevent sticking and ensure a good sear.
• Don't overcrowd the pan; cook chicken in batches if needed to get a golden crust.
• Add spinach at the very end and toss until just wilted to retain nutrients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season and Sear Chicken

Pat chicken dry, season with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (375°F/190°C). Add chicken in a single layer and cook without stirring for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on one side. Flip and cook 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium (350°F/175°C). Add remaining oil, onion, and bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and onions are translucent.

3. Add Garlic and Spices

Stir in garlic, oregano, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

4. Create the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.

5. Combine Chicken and Tomatoes

Return the chicken to the skillet along with the cherry tomatoes. Stir to coat everything in the sauce. Cook for 5-6 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices.

6. Wilt the Spinach

Add the fresh spinach in handfuls, stirring gently until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes. The sauce should be slightly thickened and the chicken heated through.

7. Rest and Serve

Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread.

Delicious Variations

Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu

Adjust cooking times accordingly (shrimp 2-3 minutes, tofu 5-7).

• Add 1 cup of cooked chickpeas for extra protein and fiber.
• Use Italian seasoning instead of oregano and paprika for a Mediterranean twist.

How to Store Foods To Make

Frequently Asked Questions

Give this easy foods to make recipe a try tonight, and don't be afraid to swap in whatever veggies you have on hand. Small changes make cooking fun—happy organizing!

Foods To Make

Discover easy foods to make with this 30-minute skillet meal that's hearty, healthy, and a family favorite.

★★★★½ 4.8 (187 ratings)

10 minPrep time20 minCook time4Servings320 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach

📋 Instructions

1. 1Season and Sear Chicken — Pat chicken dry, season with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (375°F/190°C). Add chicken in a single layer and cook without stirring for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on one side. Flip and cook 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C. Remove and set aside.
2. 2Sauté Aromatics — In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium (350°F/175°C). Add remaining oil, onion, and bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and onions are translucent.
3. 3Add Garlic and Spices — Stir in garlic, oregano, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. 4Create the Sauce — Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
5. 5Combine Chicken and Tomatoes — Return the chicken to the skillet along with the cherry tomatoes. Stir to coat everything in the sauce. Cook for 5-6 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices.
6. 6Wilt the Spinach — Add the fresh spinach in handfuls, stirring gently until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes. The sauce should be slightly thickened and the chicken heated through.
7. 7Rest and Serve — Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: This dish is a perfect canvas for your creativity. Feel free to add olives, capers, or a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness.

Servings: 4

Cuisine: American

Course: Dinner

Nutrition (per serving): 320 kcal · 28g protein · 15g carbs · 16g fat

Written by Marta Hernandez
Marta writes about home organization and decluttering, focusing on simple systems that work for busy families. She shares practical tips for turning chaotic spaces into calm, functional areas.