Healthy Chicken And Vegetables Skillet Recipe

Sizzling Healthy Chicken And Vegetables Skillet Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand quick, nutritious solutions that delight your chicken and vegetables skillet recipe craving.

Packed with vibrant ingredients, this one-pan marvel delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

Fresh produce and lean protein dance together in a symphony of tastes and textures.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of wholesome goodness and satisfying richness.

The skillet method ensures every ingredient caramelizes beautifully, creating depth and complexity.

Tender chicken nestles among colorful vegetables, promising a meal that nourishes both body and soul.

This recipe will become your new go-to for effortless, delicious dining.

What’s to Love About Chicken and Veggie Skillet

  • Speed Up Weeknight Dinners: Whip up this one-pan wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a delicious, nutritious meal in just minutes, saving you precious time and cleanup effort.
  • Boost Nutrition Easily: Packed with lean protein from chicken and a rainbow of vegetables, this skillet delivers a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients in every single bite.
  • Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Swap vegetables based on what's in your fridge, adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes, or add your favorite herbs to make this recipe completely your own personal culinary creation.
  • No-Fuss Cooking Method: Using a single skillet means less washing up, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum taste with minimal kitchen mess and complicated steps.

Ingredients for Healthy Chicken Skillet

Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: A lean protein source that provides essential nutrients and serves as the main component of the skillet dish.
Vegetables:
  • Zucchini, Bell Pepper, Cherry Tomatoes, Carrots: A colorful mix of fresh vegetables that adds nutrition, texture, and vibrant flavor to the skillet.
Seasonings and Enhancers:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: A blend of spices that creates a robust and well-rounded flavor profile for the chicken.
  • Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes: Herbs and spices that add depth and a hint of heat to the dish.
  • Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil used for cooking and adding a subtle richness to the skillet.
  • Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps to create a light sauce and keep the ingredients moist.
  • Lemon Juice: A bright, citrusy element that adds freshness and helps balance the flavors.
  • Parmesan Cheese: An optional topping that provides a salty, umami finish to the dish.

Making Chicken and Vegetable Skillet

Step 1: Prepare Skillet With Olive Oil

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan evenly.

Step 2: Season Chicken Pieces

Combine the following spices and coat chicken thoroughly:
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 3: Cook Chicken Until Golden

Place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even browning and complete cooking.

Once chicken reaches a golden color and is fully cooked, transfer to a separate plate.

Step 4: Sauté Fresh Vegetables

Add the following vegetables to the same skillet:
  • Zucchini
  • Bell peppers
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Carrots

Sauté vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they become slightly tender but retain a crisp texture.

Step 5: Enhance Vegetable Flavor

Sprinkle Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes over the vegetables.

Pour chicken broth into the skillet and let everything simmer for 2 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Chicken And Vegetables

Return cooked chicken to the skillet and drizzle fresh lemon juice over the entire mixture.

Cook for an additional 2 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 7: Finish And Serve

Optional: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.

Serve the skillet meal warm and enjoy immediately.

Tips for the Best Chicken Skillet

  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture.
  • Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces to guarantee even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and enhance the dish's natural flavors without overwhelming the palate.
  • Replace chicken with tofu or white fish for a versatile meal that accommodates different dietary preferences and protein needs.
  • Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can replace dried Italian seasoning for a brighter, more vibrant flavor profile.

Variations for Chicken Veggie Skillet

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace zucchini and carrots with cauliflower florets for a low-carb version packed with nutrients and fewer calories.
  • Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Substitute chicken with grilled lamb and add oregano, mint, and feta cheese for a Greek-inspired Mediterranean variation.
  • Spicy Asian Protein Remix: Switch chicken with tofu, use soy sauce instead of chicken broth, and add ginger and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired stir-fry experience.
  • Vegetarian Garden Medley: Remove chicken completely, add extra firm tofu or chickpeas, and include mushrooms and spinach for a protein-rich vegetarian alternative.

Serving Chicken and Vegetable Skillet

  • Veggie-Packed Dinner Plate: Serve alongside fluffy quinoa or brown rice to soak up the delicious pan juices and add extra nutrition.
  • Bright Mediterranean Twist: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, crumbled feta cheese, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a Mediterranean-inspired presentation.
  • Salad Companion: Pair with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in a light lemon vinaigrette to complement the skillet's zesty flavors and add more fresh vegetables to the meal.
  • Bread Pairing Option: Serve with warm whole grain crusty bread or garlic toast to help mop up the flavorful cooking liquid and make the meal more satisfying.

Storage Guidance for Chicken Skillet Meals

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
  • Transfer cooled chicken and vegetables to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 2 months to preserve quality.
  • Place portions on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables. Just thaw and drain them before adding to the skillet to prevent excess moisture.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your chicken broth and spices are certified gluten-free if you have sensitivities.

  • How can I make this dish more protein-rich?

Add extra protein by using chicken breasts, incorporating chickpeas, or sprinkling additional Parmesan cheese on top.

  • Can I substitute chicken with another protein?

Absolutely! You can use turkey, shrimp, or tofu as alternatives. Adjust cooking times accordingly for different proteins.

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Healthy Chicken And Vegetables Skillet Recipe

Healthy Chicken And Vegetables Skillet Recipe


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4.9 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Succulent chicken dances with crisp vegetables in this one-pan Mexican-inspired skillet, delivering maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. Nutrition meets deliciousness, inviting you to savor a quick, wholesome meal that satisfies both hunger and health goals.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables:

  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup carrots, sliced

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Generously coat chicken pieces with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place seasoned chicken in the hot skillet, cooking each side until golden and crisp, approximately 6 minutes total.
  4. Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate, keeping it warm.
  5. Without cleaning the skillet, add chopped zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and carrots.
  6. Sauté vegetables for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to develop slight caramelization and remain crisp-tender.
  7. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes over the vegetables for enhanced flavor profile.
  8. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, creating a light sauce and helping vegetables soften slightly.
  9. Allow liquid to simmer and reduce for 2 minutes, concentrating the flavors.
  10. Reintroduce chicken to the skillet, drizzling fresh lemon juice over the entire mixture.
  11. Gently stir and heat for an additional 2 minutes to marry flavors and ensure chicken remains warm.
  12. Optional: Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving hot.

Notes

  • Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that’s packed with protein and keeps the same delicious flavor profile.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt intake and make the dish more heart-healthy for those watching their sodium levels.
  • Quick-slice vegetables into similar sizes to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
  • Choose organic vegetables and free-range chicken to boost nutritional value and support more sustainable food choices.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 275 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 290 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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