Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe
One-pan meals are a lifesaver for busy weeknights, offering convenience, minimal cleanup, and, of course, delicious results. The Chicken and Vegetables Skillet recipe is one of those meals that checks all the boxes: it’s easy, healthy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re looking for a light dinner, a nutritious lunch, or something to impress guests, this dish is the perfect balance of lean protein and hearty vegetables, all cooked in one skillet. Not only is it a simple and quick recipe, but it’s also customizable, meaning you can adapt it to your tastes and preferences.
This Chicken and Vegetables Skillet recipe provides juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, paired with a variety of colorful vegetables that cook together in one skillet, soaking up all the flavorful seasonings. The combination of tender chicken, roasted vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates a balanced and satisfying meal.
A skillet meal offers the ultimate convenience when you want a healthy, wholesome dish without a ton of fuss or dishes to clean afterward. The Chicken and Vegetables Skillet recipe, in particular, is a great way to bring together lean protein, nutritious vegetables, and tasty seasonings in a single dish. The simplicity and versatility of this meal make it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or even for serving to guests.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. It’s made with basic, everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. You can swap out vegetables based on what you have in season or to match your preferences. Whether you like your chicken spicy, savory, or with a hint of sweetness, the seasoning options are endless.
With just a handful of ingredients, minimal prep, and a short cooking time, Chicken and Vegetables Skillet has all the qualities of a classic comfort dish, while still being healthy and light.
Why a Skillet Meal?
Skillet meals are great for a variety of reasons:
1. Easy Cleanup
Unlike cooking multiple dishes in different pots, a skillet meal only requires one pan. All the cooking, searing, and sautéing happens in the same skillet, which makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Fast and Convenient
Skillet meals typically cook quickly, allowing you to prepare a nutritious meal in under 30 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice when you’re short on time but still want to eat something healthy.
3. Flavorful Dishes
Cooking everything in one pan means all the ingredients get to mingle and develop their flavors together. The juices from the chicken, along with the seasonings and vegetables, create a flavorful base that infuses every component of the dish.
4. Healthy
Since you’re cooking everything in one skillet with minimal oil or butter, skillet meals tend to be healthier than traditional fried or casserole-based dishes. The flavors come from seasoning and natural ingredients, rather than heavy sauces or oils.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
Start by prepping the chicken breasts. If they are too thick, consider butterflying them (slicing them horizontally) or pounding them to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other spices you like (such as paprika or Italian seasoning). You can also marinate the chicken for a few hours if you want to infuse it with extra flavor.
Step 2: Searing the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. If you’re using chicken thighs, you may need to cook them a bit longer. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Cooking the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Add the vegetables to the skillet in stages, starting with the firmer vegetables like carrots and bell peppers. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
Add the zucchini, red onion, and broccoli (or other vegetables you’re using) and continue to cook for an additional 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the vegetables cook evenly.
Step 4: Combining Everything
Once the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized, push them to one side of the skillet. Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet on the other side, allowing it to reheat for a few minutes.
Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the chicken and vegetables, and season everything with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Stir to combine everything, ensuring the chicken and vegetables are well-mixed.
Serve the dish hot, either as is or with a side of rice, quinoa, or crusty bread.
Tips for Perfect Chicken and Vegetables Skillet
Achieving a Juicy Chicken Breast
To keep the chicken breast juicy, don’t overcook it. Chicken breasts cook quickly, and overcooking them will lead to dryness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you prefer a more tender cut, opt for chicken thighs.
Cooking the Vegetables Perfectly
For tender vegetables with a little bit of crispness, don’t overcook them. The goal is to soften them while maintaining some texture and bite. You can adjust the cooking time depending on the type of vegetables you’re using.
Adding Depth of Flavor
For added depth, consider finishing the dish with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, or a spoonful of Dijon mustard. These ingredients can elevate the flavor profile of the entire dish.
Customizations and Variations
Different Vegetables
Feel free to mix and match the vegetables depending on what’s in season or what you prefer. Try adding sweet potatoes, asparagus, or spinach. The possibilities are endless.
Spice It Up
For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or chili powder to the chicken or vegetables. You can also serve the dish with a spicy dipping sauce or hot sauce on the side.
Make It a One-Pan Meal
You can also add potatoes to the skillet to make it a more filling one-pan meal. Just chop the potatoes into small cubes, sauté them first in the skillet until tender, and then proceed with the rest of the recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken and Vegetables Skillet is perfect on its own, but here are some additional serving suggestions:
- Rice: Serve it over brown rice, white rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
- Quinoa: A nutrient-packed grain that complements the chicken and vegetables beautifully.
- Crusty Bread: For soaking up the juices and making the meal feel extra comforting.
- Side Salad: A light, fresh salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, and a vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the skillet meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken with the skin on?
Yes, you can! If you prefer chicken with the skin on, just be sure to cook it a little longer to make the skin crispy.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can. This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the skillet or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
The Chicken and Vegetables Skillet recipe is a fantastic choice for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal. With just one skillet and a handful of ingredients, you can prepare a dish that’s satisfying and nutritious, perfect for busy nights or meal prep. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—whether you’re using different vegetables or experimenting with spices, you can make it your own. Enjoy this wholesome, one-pan meal that’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation!
Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe
One-pan meals are a lifesaver for busy weeknights, offering convenience, minimal cleanup, and, of course, delicious results. The Chicken and Vegetables Skillet recipe is one of those meals that checks all the boxes: it's easy, healthy, and full of flavor. Whether you're looking for a light dinner, a nutritious lunch, or something to impress guests, this dish is the perfect balance of lean protein and hearty vegetables, all cooked in one skillet. Not only is it a simple and quick recipe, but it’s also customizable, meaning you can adapt it to your tastes and preferences.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or your favorite seasoning blend)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried Italian seasoning.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
- Add the zucchini and garlic: Stir in the zucchini and garlic. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the zucchini is tender and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the spinach and tomatoes: Stir in the spinach (if using) and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften.
- Combine the chicken and vegetables: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the vegetables. Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve: Serve the chicken with the vegetables on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor.
Notes
- Chicken Options: If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap in other vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, or asparagus based on your preference or what you have on hand.
- Seasoning: Adjust the seasonings according to your taste. You can add a bit of chili flakes for some heat or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese at the end for added richness.
- Make it a one-pan meal: This is already a one-pan dish, but you can easily make it more filling by serving it over rice, quinoa, or couscous.