The Star Ingredients
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 yellow squash, chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Let’s Get Cooking: Easy Chicken Veggie Skillet Instructions
Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add the Veggies: Add the chopped bell peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, broccoli florets, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the chicken.
- Cook Until Tender: Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Season: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and serve immediately. This Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Chicken & Veggies is another great option if you’re looking for simple clean up!
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chicken Veggie Skillet
Making it Your Own
I love how versatile this recipe is! Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. Asparagus, green beans, or even spinach would be delicious additions. If you’re looking for a similar flavor profile, but with a bit of a kick, check out this Tex Mex Chicken And Zucchini Skillet.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: If your skillet is too crowded, the vegetables will steam instead of sautéing, resulting in a less flavorful dish. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Adjust the Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a little heat, while a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up the flavors.
- Add a Sauce: For a saucier dish, stir in a tablespoon or two of your favorite sauce at the end. Teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, or even a simple tomato sauce would work well.
Variations: Level Up Your Skillet Game
Endless Possibilities
One of the best things about this Chicken Veggie Skillet is how easy it is to customize! Here are a few variations to inspire you:
- Lemon Herb Chicken Veggie Skillet: Add the zest and juice of one lemon along with a mix of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano.
- Spicy Chicken Veggie Skillet: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick. You can also use a spicy sausage instead of chicken.
- Mediterranean Chicken Veggie Skillet: Add Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil at the end.
If you’re looking for a similar recipe with a stir-fry twist, then this Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry is a great option.
Making it a Healthy Dinner Recipe for Cholesterol
Good for your Heart
This Chicken Veggie Skillet is not only delicious but also a great choice for those looking for Healthy Dinner Recipes For Cholesterol. By using lean chicken breast and a variety of colorful vegetables, you’re creating a meal that’s low in saturated fat and high in fiber and nutrients. Olive oil is a heart-healthy fat that can help lower bad cholesterol levels. This recipe also avoids heavy sauces and excessive salt, making it a smart choice for a heart-healthy diet. Don’t be afraid to load up on the veggies – they’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help protect your heart.
Loaded Chicken and Veggie Skillet
Packing in the Goodness
The beauty of this recipe lies in its ability to be a Loaded Chicken And Veggie Skillet without being unhealthy. You can add a variety of vegetables to increase the nutrient density and fiber content. Consider adding dark leafy greens like spinach or kale for an extra boost of vitamins and minerals. You can also add beans or lentils for added protein and fiber, making it a more filling and satisfying meal. The key is to choose vegetables that you enjoy and that provide a variety of nutrients. Remember, the more colorful your plate, the better!
Low Carb Meals with Vegetables
Keeping it Light
For those following a low-carb diet, this Chicken Veggie Skillet is an excellent choice for Low Carb Meals With Vegetables. The chicken provides a good source of protein, while the vegetables offer essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber without significantly impacting your carbohydrate intake. To keep it low-carb, focus on non-starchy vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, and cauliflower. Avoid adding high-carb vegetables like potatoes or corn. You can also add healthy fats like avocado or nuts to increase satiety and flavor. For another simple meal, check out Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta.
Easy Healthier Dinner Ideas
Simple Swaps for a Healthier You
Finding Easy Healthier Dinner Ideas doesn’t have to be a chore! This Chicken Veggie Skillet is just one example of how you can create a delicious and nutritious meal with minimal effort. One simple swap you can make is using lean protein sources like chicken breast, turkey breast, or fish. Another easy tip is to load up on the vegetables – they’re packed with nutrients and fiber and can help you feel full and satisfied. You can also use healthy cooking methods like baking, grilling, or stir-frying instead of frying. And don’t forget to season your food with herbs and spices instead of relying on salt and processed sauces. If you love the garlic butter flavor, you might also like this Savory Garlic Butter Chicken With Zucchini & Corn recipe or even this Savory Garlic Butter Chicken With Zucchini & Sweet Corn Recipe.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Making the Most of Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Chicken Veggie Skillet tastes just as good (or even better!) the next day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through or warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Delicious Creation!
There you have it! A simple, delicious, and healthy Chicken Veggie Skillet that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. I hope you enjoy making and eating this recipe as much as I do! Remember to have fun in the kitchen and don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. Happy cooking!
Can I substitute any of the vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe is very versatile! You can swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. Asparagus, green beans, or even spinach would be delicious additions.
How long will the leftovers last, and what’s the best way to reheat them?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through or warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, this Chicken Veggie Skillet is an excellent choice for low-carb meals. Focus on non-starchy vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, and cauliflower and avoid adding high-carb vegetables like potatoes or corn.
What are some variations I can try to make this skillet recipe different?
You can try a Lemon Herb Chicken Veggie Skillet by adding lemon zest and juice with herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano. For a spicy version, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce. A Mediterranean version includes Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Easy Chicken Veggie Skillet
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Spatula or spoon
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 yellow squash, chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add the Veggies: Add the chopped bell peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, broccoli florets, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the chicken.
- Cook Until Tender: Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Season: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and serve immediately.
