Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet is a delightful and nourishing dish that brings together tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a flavorful blend of spices—all in one skillet. I stumbled upon this recipe while looking for quick weeknight meals that could impress my family without demanding hours of prep. The simplicity of throwing everything together in a single pan made it an instant favorite. Plus, with all its nutritional goodness, it’s the kind of meal that leaves you feeling both satisfied and guilt-free.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet is perfect for so many reasons. Firstly, it’s quick to whip up, taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish—ideal for busy weeknights. The combination of lean protein and colorful veggies makes it a wholesome choice that’s kid-approved. Looking to keep things budget-friendly? This skillet meal uses simple ingredients that won’t break the bank.
Imagine serving this bright and healthy plate on a casual Sunday family dinner or as part of your weekly meal-prep. It’s comforting yet light enough to be enjoyed any day. You’ll appreciate how the seasonings elevate the dish without overshadowing its natural flavors.
"This skillet recipe has saved dinner at my house more than once! My kids love the colorful veggies, and I love that it’s healthy and quick." — Happy home cook
Step-by-Step Overview
Creating this Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet is a straightforward process, blending marinated chicken with sautéed vegetables in a matter of minutes. You’ll start by prepping the chicken and letting it marinate with flavorful spices. After browning the chicken, you’ll sauté some onions and a medley of vibrant vegetables. Finally, everything gets brought back together with a splash of broth to create a delicious stir. It’s all about layers of flavor in one pan!
What You’ll Need
To craft this delicious dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cups bite-size broccoli florets
- 1 zucchini, thinly sliced and cut into half-moons
- 1 small yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 small red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks
- ¼ cup low sodium chicken broth (or dry white wine, apple juice, or water)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
If you’re looking for substitutions, consider swapping the chicken with turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also use any seasonal vegetables you have on hand!
Directions to Follow
Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken into 1-inch pieces. Season it generously with salt and pepper and set it aside to marinate.
Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, paprika, and chili powder. Sprinkle half of this mixture over the marinated chicken pieces.
Coat with Olive Oil: Drizzle ½ tablespoon of olive oil over the seasoned chicken. Toss it well to ensure even coating.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 6-8 minutes until it’s browned and thoroughly cooked. Once done, transfer it to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Sauté the Onions and Veggies: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the sliced onions for 2 minutes, then toss in the broccoli, zucchini, and bell peppers. Add the rest of the spice mixture and cook until the veggies are tender-crisp, about 4-6 minutes.
Combine Everything: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to combine everything. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to heat through.
Serve and Garnish: Finally, garnish your skillet creation with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot to enjoy!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet is wonderfully versatile in terms of serving. Pair it with a side of quinoa or whole grain rice for a complete meal. You could also serve it with a light salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. For drinks, a crisp white wine or sparkling water with a splash of lemon would complement the dish beautifully.
How to Store
Leftovers? No problem! Store any remaining skillet contents in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stove until warmed throughout.
Tips to Make It Perfect
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet while cooking the chicken; this allows for a better sear and enhances the flavors.
- If you want more heat, feel free to increase the chili powder or add a dash of red pepper flakes.
- For meal prep, keep the chicken and vegetables separate until you’re ready to enjoy to ensure maximum freshness and crunch.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative! You could switch up the protein with shrimp or use chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. Consider adding seasonal vegetables like asparagus or carrots, or even a splash of soy sauce for an Asian flavor profile. The options are endless!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The entire process takes about 30 minutes from prep to serving, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely! Frozen vegetables can be a great time-saver. Just add a minute or two to your sautéing time to ensure they are heated through.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave until warmed thoroughly.
