My Secret to Deliciously Lazy Weeknight Meals: The One-Pan Chicken and Veggie Fiesta
Ah, the end of a long day. You're exhausted, famished, and the thought of cooking a fancy meal feels like climbing Mount Everest. Sound familiar? Don't worry, I've got you covered! I've perfected the art of the cheap and lazy meal that's actually delicious and good for you. And it all happens on one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Say goodbye to endless dishes and hello to stress-free dinners!

One-Pan Chicken and Veggie Fiesta

INGREDIENTS

For the Chicken:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Veggies:
1 large onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 cup frozen corn
For the Flavor:
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat Your Pan: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). While it's warming up, grab your trusty baking sheet or skillet.
2. Prep the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper. This will give them a lovely golden crust in the oven.
3. Assemble the Fiesta: Spread the chicken evenly on the preheated pan. Now, toss the onion, bell peppers, black beans, diced tomatoes, and corn into the bowl that held the chicken, coating them with the remaining seasonings. Dump this veggie medley onto the pan, making sure the chicken is still visible.
4. Bake to Perfection: Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender. You want that gorgeous caramelized color on the edges of the veggies, so don't be shy with the heat!
5. Serve and Enjoy: Let the meal cool slightly before serving. This is where you can get creative! Serve it with rice, tortillas, or even just a simple side salad. And don't forget the guacamole – it's the perfect topping for this fiesta!

Now, I know what you're thinking – "20 minutes? But I'm super busy!" That's exactly why I love this recipe. You can literally throw everything together in minutes, then let the oven do its magic. You can use this as a base and add your own favorite veggies or spices. Need some extra protein? Add sausage or shrimp. It's your meal, so make it your own!
So there you have it, the secret to cheap and lazy meals that will make you feel like a cooking rockstar. Go forth and conquer your weeknight dinners with this delicious and easy recipe! You deserve a break, and this recipe is your perfect escape from the kitchen stress.