Healthy Chicken And Vegetables Skillet Recipe

Sizzling Healthy Chicken And Vegetables Skillet Recipe

Cooking a delightful chicken and vegetables skillet can revolutionize your weeknight meal routine.

Packed with nutrition, this simple dish combines lean protein and colorful produce in one pan.

Minimal preparation makes this recipe perfect for busy individuals seeking quick, wholesome meals.

Fragrant herbs and spices infuse each bite with incredible flavor, turning ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Smart home cooks appreciate how efficiently this skillet comes together without complicated techniques.

Ingredients like fresh bell peppers, zucchini, and tender chicken create a balanced plate that satisfies hunger and nourishes your body.

You’ll be amazed how something so easy can taste so incredible.

Ingredients for Chicken and Veggie Skillet

Protein:
  • Chicken: Lean protein that provides the main source of nutrition in the dish.
Main Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that adds depth and flavor to the skillet.
  • Bell Pepper, Zucchini, Cherry Tomatoes: Colorful vegetables that provide freshness and nutrition.
Seasonings and Liquids:
  • Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Oregano: Spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the chicken and vegetables.
  • Olive Oil: Healthy cooking fat that helps prevent sticking and adds richness.
  • Chicken Broth, Lemon Juice: Liquid components that create a light, flavorful sauce and add moisture to the dish.

How to Make Chicken and Veggie Skillet

How to Make Chicken and Veggie Skillet

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Surface

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, allowing the oil to spread evenly across the bottom of the pan.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Add chicken pieces and sprinkle with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika
  • Oregano

Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through, which takes about 5-7 minutes.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Infuse Aromatic Base

In the same skillet, toss in diced onions and minced garlic.

Sauté for 2 minutes until the kitchen fills with a fragrant aroma.

Step 4: Toss in Colorful Vegetables

Add a vibrant mix of vegetables:
  • Bell peppers
  • Zucchini
  • Cherry tomatoes

Stir-fry the vegetables for 4-5 minutes until they become tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 5: Create a Flavorful Liquid

Pour chicken broth and fresh lemon juice into the skillet.

Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients and create a light sauce.

Step 6: Reunite Chicken and Vegetables

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, gently mixing it with the vegetables.

Allow everything to simmer together for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 7: Plate and Savor

Transfer the skillet contents to serving plates and enjoy the delicious, nutritious meal immediately.

Tips for a Great Chicken and Veggie Skillet

  • Use a generous amount of herbs and spices like paprika and oregano to enhance the chicken's taste without adding extra calories.
  • Ensure chicken is browned evenly by not overcrowding the skillet, which helps develop a delicious golden crust.
  • Stir-fry vegetables briefly to maintain their vibrant colors and nutritional value, keeping them tender-crisp instead of mushy.
  • Use chicken broth and lemon juice to create a light, zesty sauce that adds moisture without heavy cream or butter.
  • Utilize the same skillet for cooking chicken and vegetables to minimize cleanup and retain all the delicious pan flavors.

Different Versions of Chicken and Veggie Skillet

  • Low-Carb Mediterranean Skillet: Replace zucchini with cauliflower rice and add kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Spicy Southwest Chicken Skillet: Swap oregano for chili powder, add jalapeños, and include black beans for a southwestern flavor profile.
  • Protein-Packed Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, use vegetable broth, and add extra protein-rich vegetables like edamame.
  • Keto-Friendly Version: Remove bell peppers, increase zucchini, add more high-fat ingredients like butter or cream cheese, and use bone broth instead of regular chicken broth.

What to Serve with Chicken and Veggie Skillet

  • Mediterranean Platter Pairing: Serve alongside warm pita bread, hummus, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
  • Protein Power Bowl: Layer the chicken and vegetable mixture over quinoa or brown rice, topped with crumbled feta cheese for an extra protein boost.
  • Fresh Herb Garnish: Finish the dish with chopped fresh basil, cilantro, or mint to add brightness and elevate the flavor profile of the skillet.
  • Wine Companion: Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to complement the zesty lemon and herb notes of the dish.

How to Store Chicken and Veggie Skillet

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pack the chicken and vegetable skillet in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with the date, and freeze for 2-3 months.
  • Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even warming.
  • Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir gently and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated thoroughly.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, thaw the chicken completely before cooking and pat it dry to ensure proper browning and even cooking.

  • What if I don't have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs work perfectly fine. Use about half the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh ones.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free if you have sensitivities.

  • Can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper when seasoning the chicken to increase the heat level.

Why This Chicken and Veggie Skillet Stands Out

Why This Chicken and Veggie Skillet Stands Out
  • Whip Up a Nutritious Meal: This one-pan wonder packs a powerful punch of protein and colorful vegetables, making it a super healthy dinner option for anyone watching their diet.
  • Simplify Your Cooking Routine: With minimal ingredients and just one skillet, you'll breeze through meal preparation without creating a mountain of dishes to clean afterward.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap out vegetables based on what's in your fridge or add your favorite herbs and spices to make this recipe uniquely yours, perfect for busy families and picky eaters.
  • Boost Weeknight Dinner Excitement: This vibrant, flavorful skillet brings restaurant-quality taste to your home kitchen, transforming a simple chicken dish into a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
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Healthy Chicken And Vegetables Skillet Recipe

Healthy Chicken And Vegetables Skillet Recipe


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4.8 from 25 reviews

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

Description

Savory Chicken and Vegetable Skillet delivers a nutritious one-pan meal packed with flavor and essential nutrients. Mediterranean-inspired ingredients combine seamlessly, offering a simple weeknight dinner solution for wellness-focused cooks.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables:

  • 1 zucchini
  • 1 bell pepper
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 onion
  • 2 cloves garlic

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet at medium temperature (375°F) for even heating.
  2. Introduce chicken pieces, generously coating with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Sear until golden and fully cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer protein to a separate plate.
  3. Utilize the same skillet to caramelize onions and garlic, releasing aromatic flavors for roughly 2 minutes.
  4. Incorporate colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and juicy cherry tomatoes. Rapidly stir-fry vegetables for 4-5 minutes until they become crisp-tender and retain vibrant colors.
  5. Deglaze the pan by adding chicken broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice, creating a light, tangy sauce while scraping any browned bits from skillet bottom.
  6. Reintroduce cooked chicken into the vegetable mixture, gently combining and allowing flavors to meld for an additional 2 minutes.
  7. Plate immediately while hot, ensuring a harmonious blend of protein and vegetables in each serving.

Notes

  • Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a delicious vegetarian version that maintains the same flavor profile and nutritional balance.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt intake and make the dish heart-friendly for those monitoring sodium consumption.
  • Quickly chop vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the skillet meal.
  • Consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil at the end for an extra burst of freshness and vibrant color that elevates the entire dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 245 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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