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Easy One-Pan School Lunch for Kids

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A quick, nutritious one-pan meal perfect for busy school mornings, combining chicken, fresh veggies, and grains with a creamy cheese finish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup shredded or finely chopped carrots
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon mild chili powder or smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken breast into 1-inch pieces. Dice bell peppers, shred carrots, mince garlic, and have frozen peas ready.
  2. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Warm until shimmering, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add chicken pieces in a single layer, season with salt and pepper. Sear undisturbed for 3 minutes, then stir and cook another 3-4 minutes until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
  4. Add diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, and minced garlic. Stir and cook for 4-5 minutes until peppers soften but remain slightly crunchy and garlic is fragrant.
  5. Sprinkle mild chili powder or smoked paprika over the mixture and stir to coat. Add frozen peas and cook for 2 minutes until warmed through.
  6. Stir in cooked quinoa or brown rice. Mix thoroughly and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors.
  7. Turn off heat and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover with lid or foil for 2 minutes to melt cheese into a creamy layer.
  8. Let cool slightly before serving or packing into lunch containers. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Use pre-cut veggies to save time. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper searing. Add cheese off heat and cover to melt gently. Prep grains the night before for quicker mornings. For dairy-free, omit cheese or use vegan alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan meal, school lunch, quick recipe, kid-friendly, chicken, nutritious, easy lunch, healthy meal

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/easy-one-pan-school-lunch-for-kids-5-quick-nutritious-recipes/