Simple Chicken And Vegetables Skillet Recipe

Sizzling Healthy Chicken And Vegetables Skillet Recipe For Families

Whipping up a delectable chicken and vegetables skillet can revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.

Nutritious ingredients dance together in one pan, creating a colorful and satisfying meal.

Quick preparation means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your culinary creation.

Bold spices and fresh produce blend seamlessly, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients can become something extraordinary in just minutes.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of lean protein and vibrant vegetables.

You’ll love how this recipe makes healthy eating both delicious and effortless.

Wholesome Chicken and Veggie Skillet

  • Boost Nutrition Fast: Pack your plate with lean protein from chicken and a rainbow of vegetables, delivering essential vitamins and minerals in one delicious skillet.
  • Master Quick Cooking: Learn a simple one-pan technique that transforms fresh ingredients into a complete meal with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Create a colorful, customizable dish that appeals to different taste preferences, encouraging everyone to enjoy healthy eating together.
  • Simple Skill Builder: Perfect for home cooks wanting to improve their culinary confidence with an approachable recipe that teaches basic sautéing and seasoning techniques.

Ingredients for Chicken and Vegetable Skillet

Main Proteins:
  • Chicken: Lean protein that provides the main source of nutrition in this skillet dish.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Bell Pepper, Zucchini: Fresh vegetables that add color, texture, and nutritional value to the skillet.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Adds a burst of sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
  • Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor to enhance the overall taste.
Seasonings and Liquids:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
  • Paprika, Italian Seasoning: Aromatic spices that add depth and complexity to the dish.
  • Olive Oil: Helps to cook and brown the chicken while adding a subtle flavor.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and additional savory flavor to the skillet.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, tangy note to balance the richness of the chicken.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, green finish and a pop of color to the completed dish.

Cooking Chicken & Veggies Skillet Step-by-Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Surface

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, creating a perfect cooking environment for your delicious meal.

Step 2: Sear and Season Chicken

Add diced chicken to the skillet and generously sprinkle with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika
  • Italian seasoning

Cook the chicken until it develops a beautiful golden-brown color, typically 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Introduce Colorful Vegetables

Toss in the following vibrant ingredients:
  • Minced garlic
  • Chopped onion
  • Sliced bell pepper
  • Diced zucchini

Sauté the vegetables until they become slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Create a Flavorful Liquid Base

Pour chicken broth and fresh lemon juice into the skillet, stirring thoroughly to combine all the delicious flavors.

Step 5: Add Burst of Freshness

Drop in cherry tomatoes and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables reach a perfect tender consistency.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the skillet to add a bright, aromatic touch.

Serve the dish piping hot and enjoy your nutritious meal.

Handy Hints for Healthy Skillet Meal

  • Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that's equally delicious and protein-packed.
  • Adjust seasoning intensity by using smoked paprika for a deeper flavor or reducing salt for low-sodium diets.
  • Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the skillet.
  • Use fresh herbs like basil or thyme instead of parsley for a unique aromatic twist that elevates the dish's flavor profile.
  • Allow chicken to rest for a minute after cooking to retain maximum juiciness and prevent dryness.

Tasty Swaps for Chicken and Veggie Skillet

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, cubed and seasoned similarly. Use vegetable broth for added flavor complexity.
  • Low-Carb Option: Swap zucchini with cauliflower florets and add spinach for extra nutrients. Skip bell peppers for a stricter low-carb approach.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Include kalamata olives, swap Italian seasoning with za'atar, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top. Add oregano for authentic Greek flair.
  • Spicy Protein Boost: Use lean ground turkey instead of chicken, increase paprika, add red pepper flakes, and incorporate diced jalapeños for heat lovers.

What Complements This Chicken Skillet

  • Zesty Meal Prep Champion: Portion into meal prep containers for quick, healthy lunches throughout the week. Pack with quinoa or brown rice for a complete meal.
  • Mediterranean Plate Perfection: Serve over warm pita bread, top with crumbled feta cheese, and add a dollop of tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
  • Salad Transformation: Slice chicken and vegetables, then toss over a bed of mixed greens. Drizzle with light lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing low-carb option.
  • Family-Style Gathering: Present skillet directly on the table for a rustic, communal dining experience. Let everyone scoop their favorite portions with crusty bread for dipping.

Best Ways to Store Chicken Skillet

  • Store leftover chicken and vegetables skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to the storage container to prevent condensation and maintain texture.
  • Seal the container tightly to prevent moisture loss and keep the flavors intact.

FAQs

  • What ingredients can I swap in this recipe?

You can easily substitute zucchini with yellow squash, use red or green bell peppers, or replace chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This skillet meal can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners during the week.

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

Add a sprinkle of quinoa, include chickpeas, or top the skillet with a handful of roasted almonds or pumpkin seeds to boost protein content.

  • Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes! Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce during cooking to give the dish a spicy kick and enhance its flavor profile.

Print
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Simple Chicken And Vegetables Skillet Recipe

Simple Chicken And Vegetables Skillet Recipe


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4.5 from 15 reviews

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

Description

Robust chicken and vegetable skillet delivers Mediterranean-inspired comfort with lean protein and colorful produce. Simple one-pan preparation ensures quick cleanup and satisfying nutrition for weeknight dinners you’ll crave.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 onion, sliced

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Warm a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, drizzling olive oil across the surface to create an even coating.
  2. Introduce seasoned chicken pieces into the heated pan, coating them with a blend of aromatic spices, and allow them to develop a golden-brown exterior for approximately 6-7 minutes, ensuring thorough cooking.
  3. Incorporate minced garlic, chopped onions, sliced bell peppers, and diced zucchini into the skillet, sautéing the vibrant vegetables until they become slightly softened and release their fragrant essence.
  4. Enhance the mixture by streaming chicken broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice, gently stirring to integrate the liquid and distribute flavors evenly throughout the pan.
  5. Delicately fold in ripe cherry tomatoes, allowing them to simmer and release their natural juices while maintaining the vegetables’ crisp texture for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  6. Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley as a final flourish, and transfer the colorful, nutritious dish to serving plates while still steaming hot.

Notes

  • Optimize chicken browning by ensuring the skillet is hot before adding meat, creating a perfect golden exterior that locks in flavor and moisture.
  • Swap proteins easily by substituting chicken with tofu, shrimp, or lean turkey for a versatile one-pan meal that adapts to dietary preferences.
  • Enhance vegetable nutrition by using seasonal produce or adding extra greens like spinach or kale for increased vitamin and mineral content.
  • Control sodium levels by using low-sodium chicken broth and reducing added salt, making this recipe heart-friendly and suitable for those monitoring blood pressure.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 215 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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