The Chicken and Potato Bake is a classic, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, hearty potatoes, and crisp green beans, all baked together in a flavorful Italian dressing mix and butter. This one-pan wonder is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, offering a wholesome and satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Why We Love This Recipe
This recipe is a favorite for several reasons:
- Ease of Preparation: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish comes together quickly.
- Versatility: You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or seasonings.
- Flavor: The combination of Italian dressing mix and butter creates a rich, savory flavor that everyone loves.
- One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients
- 2-3 chicken breasts, cubed
- 3-5 small to medium potatoes, diced
- 1 ½ cans green beans, drained
- 1 pkg dry Italian dressing mix
- 1 stick of butter, melted
How to Make this Recipe
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Cube the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Dice the potatoes into small cubes.
- Drain the green beans.
- Assemble the Dish:
- In a 9×13 baking dish, arrange the cubed chicken breasts in the center.
- Place the diced potatoes on one side of the chicken and the green beans on the other side.
- Season the Dish:
- Sprinkle the dry Italian dressing mix evenly over the chicken, potatoes, and green beans.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the entire dish, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 50 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the chicken to brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Success Tips
- Even Cooking: To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cubing them.
- Butter Substitute: If you prefer not to use butter, you can substitute it with olive oil on a 1:1 ratio.
- Additional Flavor: For extra flavor, consider adding thinly sliced onions to the dish.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Notes
- Potato Types: You can use any type of potatoes, but red or Yukon potatoes work particularly well in this recipe.
- Seasoning: Ensure the Italian dressing mix is evenly distributed to avoid any bland spots.
Nutrition
This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. It provides a balanced meal with protein from the chicken, carbohydrates from the potatoes, and vitamins from the green beans. However, keep in mind that the butter adds a significant amount of fat, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of dressing mix?
A: Yes, you can substitute the Italian dressing mix with a ranch dressing mix for a different flavor profile.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
Q: Can I use frozen green beans?
A: Yes, frozen green beans work well in this recipe. There’s no need to thaw them before adding to the dish.
Conclusion
The Chicken and Potato Bake is a delightful and straightforward meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the comforting taste of home-cooked goodness with this classic recipe.