This Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet is a quick, nutritious, and flavorful one-pan meal packed with lean protein, vibrant veggies, and a light garlic-herb seasoning. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and can be customized with your favorite vegetables!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan meal – Easy prep and minimal cleanup.
- Quick & healthy – Ready in just 30 minutes.
- Protein & fiber-packed – Keeps you full and energized.
- Versatile – Use any vegetables and seasonings you like.
- Meal-prep friendly – Great for make-ahead lunches and dinners.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cubed)
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Salt & black pepper
- Paprika
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Vegetables:
- Bell peppers, sliced
- Zucchini, chopped
- Broccoli florets
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Onion, sliced
- Spinach or kale (optional)
- Lemon juice (for brightness)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or basil
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Avocado slices
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Sauté chicken for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed.
- Sauté onions, bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in garlic, cherry tomatoes, and red pepper flakes, cooking for 2 minutes.
- Add spinach or kale and cook until wilted.
Step 3: Combine & Serve
- Return chicken to the skillet, tossing with vegetables.
- Drizzle with lemon juice for extra freshness.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and Parmesan, if desired.
- Serve hot over rice, quinoa, or on its own.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Asian-Inspired – Toss with soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger.
- Mediterranean Style – Add olives and feta cheese.
- Low-Carb/Keto – Serve over cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash.
- Extra Protein – Mix in chickpeas, tofu, or cooked lentils.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes! Just adjust cooking time since frozen veggies release more water.
What’s the best way to keep chicken juicy?
Don’t overcook it! Cook on medium-high heat and let it rest before serving.
Can I add a sauce?
Yes! Try pesto, balsamic glaze, or a light yogurt dressing.
What’s the best protein substitute for chicken?
Try shrimp, turkey, tofu, or tempeh.
Can I use different vegetables?
Yes! Use mushrooms, carrots, asparagus, or snap peas.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just avoid adding sauces with gluten.
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Yes! Store in meal prep containers and reheat as needed.
How do I add more flavor?
Use fresh herbs, garlic, lemon zest, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
Can I cook this in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook chicken at 375°F for 12 minutes, then add veggies for 5 more minutes.
What pairs well with this dish?
Serve with brown rice, quinoa, couscous, or roasted potatoes.
Conclusion
This Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet is a quick, delicious, and versatile meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you enjoy it as-is, with rice, or over pasta, this one-pan wonder is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try it today for a nutritious and satisfying meal!
Print
Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan Sauté
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Healthy
Description
This Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet is a quick, easy, and nutritious one-pan meal packed with lean protein, colorful veggies, and a light, flavorful seasoning. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a low-carb meal. Serve it as-is or pair it with brown rice, quinoa, or whole-grain pasta for a more filling dish!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized cubes)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Vegetables:
- 1 small zucchini (sliced into half-moons)
- 1 small bell pepper (any color, chopped)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved, optional for a juicy touch)
- 1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Garnish:
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (for freshness)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Grated Parmesan or feta cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add cubed chicken, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F/75°C).
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add zucchini, bell pepper, broccoli, red onion, and cherry tomatoes.
- Season with salt, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until veggies are tender but still crisp.
Step 3: Combine & Finish
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and cook for 1-2 more minutes to blend flavors.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan or feta (if using).
Serving Suggestions
- As-is: Enjoy as a low-carb, high-protein meal.
- With grains: Serve with brown rice, quinoa, or whole wheat couscous.
- With pasta: Toss with whole-grain pasta or zucchini noodles.
- Wrap it up: Stuff into a whole-wheat tortilla for a healthy wrap.
Notes
- Make it creamy: Stir in ¼ cup Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a creamy twist.
- More protein? Add chickpeas, lentils, or tofu.
- Extra crunch? Toss in toasted almonds or sunflower seeds before serving.
- Spice it up: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for more heat.