A Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet is a quick, nutritious, and flavorful meal that comes together in just one pan. Packed with lean protein and colorful vegetables, this dish is perfect for a balanced and satisfying dinner. It’s a great option for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- One-Pan Meal – Fewer dishes to clean up means less hassle.
- Healthy and Nutritious – Packed with lean protein and a variety of vegetables.
- Customizable – Easily swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what’s in your fridge.
- Great for Meal Prep – Stores well and can be reheated for a healthy meal on the go.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, chopped
- Bell peppers, assorted colors, sliced
- Zucchini, sliced
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Broccoli florets
- Carrots, sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Lemon juice, for freshness
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the chicken breast pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned on both sides.
- Toss in the bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots, stirring occasionally.
- Add the broccoli florets and cherry tomatoes, cooking until the vegetables are tender yet slightly crisp.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Stir everything together, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp, tofu, or turkey instead of chicken.
- Vegetable Variety: Try adding mushrooms, asparagus, or spinach for extra nutrients.
- Different Seasonings: Swap Italian seasoning for Cajun or Mexican spices for a flavor twist.
- Cheesy Addition: Sprinkle with Parmesan or feta cheese before serving.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
FAQs
How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Cooking the chicken on medium heat and not overcooking it helps retain moisture. You can also marinate it beforehand for extra juiciness.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe is great for meal prep. Cook and store it in portions for easy reheating.
What can I serve with this skillet meal?
It pairs well with rice, quinoa, or whole-grain pasta for a complete meal.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain excess water before adding them to the skillet.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! Just omit carrots and cherry tomatoes to keep it lower in carbs.
Can I add a sauce to this dish?
You can drizzle a light balsamic glaze, soy sauce, or a homemade lemon-garlic butter sauce for extra flavor.
What type of skillet should I use?
A cast-iron or non-stick skillet works best for even cooking.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is no longer pink inside.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs add more flavor and tenderness to the dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Conclusion
The Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet is a perfect combination of convenience, flavor, and nutrition. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a meal prep option, or a way to use up leftover vegetables, this recipe has you covered. Enjoy this wholesome and delicious dish with your favorite sides for a fulfilling meal!
PrintHealthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This one-pan meal is packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and flavorful seasonings. It’s a quick and easy dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s low-carb, gluten-free, and loaded with nutrients!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 zucchini (sliced)
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken – In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook the Chicken – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables – In the same skillet, add minced garlic, zucchini, bell peppers, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are slightly tender.
- Add Flavor – Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Stir in the red pepper flakes for a little heat. Let everything simmer for another 2 minutes.
- Combine and Finish – Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix everything together. Let it heat for 1–2 more minutes.
- Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle Parmesan cheese (if using) and fresh parsley on top. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or turkey for variety.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar.
- Serve it over brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
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