Real Easy Chicken
A hearty, flavorful chicken dish with vegetables, cooked easily in an oven bag for tender results and convenient cleanup, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven as needed and prepare a large oven cooking bag.
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of flour, 1/3 cup of water, basil, thyme, and seasoned salt to make a seasoning mixture.
- Peel and chop the onion, potatoes, carrots, and green pepper into uniform pieces.
- Place the chicken pieces and chopped vegetables into the oven cooking bag.
- Add the seasoning mixture over the ingredients in the bag.
- Seal the bag securely and shake gently to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Cut a few small slits in the top of the bag to allow steam to escape.
- Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Remove from oven, carefully open the bag, and serve hot, seasoned with pepper and paprika as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free version, substitute flour with cornstarch. You can also use chicken broth instead of water for added flavor. If you don't have basil or thyme, Italian seasoning works well as a substitute. Make sure to chop vegetables uniformly for even cooking, and consider using other root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes for variation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika. It's delicious alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with Yummy Buffet Potatoes or a side of rice to soak up the flavorful juices. This recipe is a perfect choice for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel, heating in short intervals until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed, ensuring the chicken remains moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Real Easy Chicken contains roughly 121 calories, with 4g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (99% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but adjust the cooking time to about 45-60 minutes as boneless pieces cook faster. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
What vegetables can I substitute in this recipe?
Feel free to substitute with your favorite vegetables such as zucchini, squash, or asparagus. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the vegetables' density. Adjust accordingly for best results.
Is it necessary to use an oven cooking bag?
While the oven cooking bag helps retain moisture and flavor, it's not strictly necessary. You can use a covered baking dish instead; just be sure to add a little extra liquid to prevent drying out during cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).