Healthy and Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Nights (Print-Friendly Version)

These easy healthy dinner recipes are your go-to for quick, nutritious meals. Perfect for busy nights, they’re both delicious and simple to make.

# Ingredients You'll Need:
01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin
02 - 1 pound chicken breast, boneless, skinless, cut into cubes
03 - 2 cups broccoli, cut into florets
04 - 1 large bell pepper, sliced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
07 - 2 cups chicken broth, low sodium
08 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
# How to Make It:
01 - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
02 - In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then add broccoli and bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
03 - Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a separate pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add quinoa, reduce to a simmer, and cover. Cook until quinoa is tender and broth is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
04 - Fluff the quinoa with a fork and add it to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir in the cooked chicken and lemon juice, mixing well to combine all flavors.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
# Extra Information:
01 - For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
02 - Quinoa can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
03 - Use a mix of colorful bell peppers to make the dish visually appealing.
04 - Adjust the level of spice by adding or reducing the amount of black pepper.
05 - To make it vegetarian, substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu.
06 - Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian-friendly option. Both absorb flavors well and maintain the dish’s protein content.
07 - Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for those who love a spicy meal. It will add heat and enhance the overall flavor.
08 - This dish stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. At room temperature, keep it no longer than 2 hours. In the refrigerator, store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For freezing, place portions in freezer-safe bags or containers, good for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway, or in a skillet over low heat to retain texture. Add a splash of broth if needed to restore moisture.
# Recipe Details:
01 - Prep time: 10 minutes
02 - Cook time: 25 minutes
03 - Servings: 4
04 - Recipe by: Quick Meal Magic

Healthy and Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Nights

Recipe by Quick Meal Magic Published on December 7, 2025

These easy healthy dinner recipes are your go-to for quick, nutritious meals. Perfect for busy nights, they’re both delicious and simple to make.

Print
Colorful and nutritious healthy dinner recipe featuring grilled chicken, quinoa, and vibrant vegetables, perfect for busy nights.
Print
Pin

Healthy and Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Nights

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

These easy healthy dinner recipes are your go-to for quick, nutritious meals. Perfect for busy nights, they’re both delicious and simple to make.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • olive oil: 2 tablespoons - extra virgin
  • chicken breast: 1 pound - boneless, skinless, cut into cubes
  • broccoli: 2 cups - cut into florets
  • bell pepper: 1 large - sliced
  • garlic: 3 cloves - minced
  • quinoa: 1 cup - rinsed
  • chicken broth: 2 cups - low sodium
  • lemon juice: 1 tablespoon - freshly squeezed
  • salt: 1/2 teaspoon - to taste
  • black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon - freshly ground

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

    Tip: Ensure the skillet is hot before adding chicken for a perfect sear.

  2. In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then add broccoli and bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain crisp vegetables.

  3. Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a separate pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add quinoa, reduce to a simmer, and cover. Cook until quinoa is tender and broth is absorbed, about 15 minutes.

    Tip: Use a fine mesh strainer to rinse quinoa and remove bitterness.

  4. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and add it to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir in the cooked chicken and lemon juice, mixing well to combine all flavors.

    Tip: Let the dish sit for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld.

  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

    Tip: Garnish with parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Quinoa can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Use a mix of colorful bell peppers to make the dish visually appealing.
  • Adjust the level of spice by adding or reducing the amount of black pepper.
  • To make it vegetarian, substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu.
  • Author: Quick Meal Magic
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg

Keywords: easy recipes, healthy dinner, quick meals, family dinner, chicken recipes, gluten-free, meal prep, weeknight dinner, nutritious meals, one-pan meals

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us - we can't wait to see what you've made!

Frequently Asked Questions for Recipes easy healthy

What are some easy healthy recipes for dinner?
Try this chicken and quinoa skillet with fresh veggies for a quick, nutritious meal that's both satisfying and flavorful.

How do I make a healthy dinner quickly?
Use lean proteins and quick-cooking grains like quinoa. Incorporate fresh vegetables for a balanced meal in under 30 minutes.

Can I substitute quinoa in this recipe?
Yes, you can use brown rice or couscous, but adjust cooking times accordingly. Quinoa is preferred for its quick cooking and nutritional value.

How long can I store leftover healthy dinner recipes?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

What are some healthy toppings for dinner recipes?
Add feta cheese, fresh herbs, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra flavor and nutrients.

Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses quinoa instead of grains containing gluten.