Chicken and Vegetable Skillet

This Chicken and Vegetable Skillet is your answer to a quick, nutritious, and flavor-packed meal. Tender chunks of chicken are seared to golden perfection and paired with an assortment of fresh, colorful vegetables. The combination of garlic, herbs, and lemon brightens up the dish, making every bite irresistible.

Not only is it easy to whip up in under 30 minutes, but it also requires minimal cleanup thanks to the one-pan method. This makes it perfect for hectic weeknights or when you’re simply craving a light yet satisfying meal. Serve it on its own for a low-carb option, or pair it with rice, couscous, or quinoa for extra heartiness. Either way, it’s a guaranteed hit at the table!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and half of the Italian seasoning.

3. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.

5. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic for 2 minutes, until fragrant.

6. Add zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 5-6 minutes until veggies are tender but crisp.

7. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss everything together.

8. Season with remaining Italian seasoning and more salt and pepper if needed.

9. Optional: Stir in lemon juice and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Chicken and Vegetable Skillet: A Colorful One-Pan Weeknight Favorite

If you’re a busy home cook looking for a nutritious, flavorful, and easy-to-clean-up dinner, this Chicken and Vegetable Skillet is your new best friend. Designed to be a weeknight warrior, this one-pan meal comes together in under 30 minutes but delivers a restaurant-quality experience that pleases even the pickiest eaters.

Whether you’re focused on maintaining a low-carb lifestyle or just trying to get more vegetables into your family’s meals, this dish hits all the marks. Made with lean chicken breast and a medley of vibrant vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes, this skillet meal is wholesome, filling, and endlessly customizable. Add to that a blend of garlic, olive oil, Italian herbs, and optional lemon juice for brightness, and you’ve got a meal that’s both light and full of flavor.

Why This Skillet Meal Works

One-pan meals are a true gift in the kitchen. They minimize cooking time, reduce dishwashing, and pack an impressive punch in both flavor and nutrition. This particular recipe is designed for simplicity and flexibility, making it ideal for weeknights or even meal prep sessions on the weekend.

Here’s why it deserves a regular place on your dinner rotation:

1. Nutrient-Rich and Balanced

This dish offers a beautiful balance of lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich vegetables. Chicken breast provides a high-quality protein that’s low in fat and calories, while vegetables add bulk, flavor, and essential vitamins like Vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. Zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes also bring in hydration thanks to their high-water content, helping you feel fuller for longer.

2. Quick and Easy Prep

With just a few simple ingredients and one skillet, this meal is as easy as it gets. You don’t need any fancy tools, just a good knife, a cutting board, and a skillet. Chopping the vegetables takes about 10 minutes, and the actual cooking time is around 20 minutes. This means dinner is ready in just 30 minutes, faster than takeout and so much healthier.

3. Perfect for Meal Prep

This Chicken and Vegetable Skillet keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully. You can double the batch and portion it out into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. It’s also freezer-friendly, although the texture of the zucchini and tomatoes may soften a bit after thawing.

4. Low-Carb and Gluten-Free

For those watching their carb intake or avoiding gluten, this dish fits right into your dietary needs. It’s naturally gluten-free, and with no starchy ingredients, it’s low in carbs. Want more satiety? Serve it with a side of cauliflower rice or a scoop of mashed sweet potatoes.

5. Customizable with What You Have

You don’t have to stick to the vegetables listed. This recipe is incredibly versatile. Swap zucchini with mushrooms or asparagus. Don’t have cherry tomatoes? Use canned diced tomatoes or sundried tomatoes. Want more protein? Add some cooked chickpeas or serve it with quinoa. You can also switch the chicken for turkey, tofu, or even shrimp.

Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at what each ingredient brings to the table:

• Chicken Breast: Lean, juicy, and packed with protein. It’s the perfect blank canvas for absorbing the garlic and herb flavors.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding healthy fats. Olive oil enhances the mouthfeel and flavor of both chicken and vegetables.

• Onions and Garlic: The flavor foundation for many great meals. They infuse the dish with savory, aromatic richness.

• Zucchini: Light and slightly sweet, zucchini adds bulk and fiber without overpowering the dish.

• Bell Peppers (Red and Yellow): These colorful veggies provide sweetness, crunch, and a boost of Vitamin C.

• Cherry Tomatoes: They add a juicy pop of acidity and a vibrant touch of color.

• Italian Seasoning & Paprika: These seasonings tie everything together with a rustic Mediterranean flair.

• Lemon Juice & Fresh Parsley (Optional): Both add brightness and freshness that lift the flavors right before serving.

Serving Suggestions

One of the great things about this Chicken and Vegetable Skillet is that it stands strong on its own. But if you’re looking to round out the meal, here are a few serving suggestions:

• With Grains: Serve it over brown rice, couscous, or quinoa for a more filling meal.

• With Pasta: Toss the skillet mix with whole grain or gluten-free pasta and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

• Low-Carb Option: Spoon it over cauliflower rice or serve it alongside a green salad with vinaigrette.

• Wrap it Up: Use it as a filling for whole-wheat tortillas or lettuce wraps.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This meal is meal-prep approved! To store:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Let it cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

To reheat:

• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe container for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.

• Skillet: Warm it over medium heat with a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist.

Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if needed to avoid steaming it. Browning adds flavor.

2. Cut Evenly: Try to chop all vegetables to a similar size for even cooking.

3. Use High Heat: This helps to caramelize the vegetables and brown the chicken.

4. Taste As You Go: Don’t forget to adjust the seasoning once all the ingredients are combined.

Conclusion

The Chicken and Vegetable Skillet is the kind of dish that brings joy to cooking. It’s nourishing, colorful, and incredibly adaptable to your preferences and pantry staples. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping lunches, or whipping up a last-minute dinner, this one-pan wonder checks all the boxes.

Beyond the nutritional perks and ease of preparation, there’s something satisfying about seeing a skillet full of vibrant vegetables and golden-browned chicken come together in harmony. It’s a dish that proves you don’t need a complicated recipe or a long list of ingredients to enjoy a truly delicious, healthy meal.

So, the next time you’re wondering what to cook on a busy night, give this Chicken and Vegetable Skillet a try, you might just find yourself making it again and again.