If you’re searching for a flavorful and nourishing dinner that’s as vibrant as it is wholesome, this Healthy Chicken and Vegetable Skillet Recipe is a total winner. Bursting with colorful veggies, tender chicken, and a blend of aromatic spices, it’s a one-pan wonder that makes weeknight cooking feel like a treat. The balance of protein and fresh vegetables creates a dish that satisfies your hunger and your health goals at the same time, delivering a meal full of texture, aroma, and pure comfort all in one skillet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Healthy Chicken and Vegetable Skillet Recipe comes alive with a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor and delightful textures. Each element plays a crucial role, from the juicy chicken to the vibrant vegetables and fragrant spices.
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean protein that cooks quickly and stays tender throughout.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds healthy fat for sautéing and enhances flavor with a smooth finish.
- 1 medium onion, sliced: Brings natural sweetness and depth of flavor when softened.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A punch of aromatic zest that elevates the entire skillet.
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced: Offers a light, crisp bite and bright green color.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Sweetness and a vibrant red hue for visual appeal and taste.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds juiciness and a slight tang to balance the dish.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Crunchy texture and a boost of nutrients.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Earthy herb that complements the veggies beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Offers subtle smokiness and a warm color.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of bite.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the dish moist and brings everything together.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: A bright finish that lifts and balances the flavors.
How to Make Healthy Chicken and Vegetable Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Heat Your Skillet
Begin by warming a large skillet over medium-high heat to get it ready for cooking the chicken. This step is essential because a properly heated pan helps achieve a beautiful sear on the chicken breasts, locking in juices and flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Add the olive oil and swirl it to coat the bottom of the skillet evenly. Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes without moving them, so they can develop a golden crust. Flip them gently and cook the other side for another 6-7 minutes until they are perfectly cooked through. Once done, set the chicken aside to rest—it’s crucial so the juices redistribute and stay locked in.
Step 3: Cook the Aromatics
Using the same skillet, toss in the sliced onions. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute. This combination creates a fragrant base that will infuse the entire dish with warm, inviting flavors.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
Introduce the zucchini and red bell pepper slices to the skillet. Cook them for 4-5 minutes until they start to soften but still hold some crunch. Then, stir in the cherry tomatoes and broccoli florets. These colorful veggies add freshness, texture, and a variety of nutrients, making this skillet truly healthy and satisfying.
Step 5: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle the dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over the vegetables. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and stir everything together. Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer gently for about 4-5 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant. This step allows the spices to marry with the vegetables, bringing out a harmonious blend of tastes.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Finish
While the veggies cook, slice the rested chicken breasts into thin, bite-sized strips. Add them back into the skillet, drizzle with lemon juice, and stir everything well. Let the skillet cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld perfectly.
How to Serve Healthy Chicken and Vegetable Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley, basil, or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese can add that special touch to your skillet creation. These garnishes provide a pop of color and a burst of aroma to make each serving feel even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This skillet dish is perfectly balanced on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, serve it alongside a simple side of quinoa, brown rice, or whole grain bread. These sides soak up the delicious juices and add a comforting grain element to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the Healthy Chicken and Vegetable Skillet Recipe over a bed of spiralized zucchini noodles or whole wheat couscous. You can also pack it into warm pita pockets for a handheld meal that’s perfect for lunch or a casual dinner with friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken and vegetables in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. The dish will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days, making it great for meal prep or quick lunches.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, make sure to cool the dish completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your skillet meal gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help maintain moisture and prevent it from drying out during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this Healthy Chicken and Vegetable Skillet Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have more fat and can offer a richer flavor and juicier texture. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.
What can I substitute for low-sodium chicken broth?
If you don’t have low-sodium chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth or even water with a bit of seasoning will work fine. Just be mindful of the salt level.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add more hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or tofu to maintain protein and texture.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely. This Healthy Chicken and Vegetable Skillet Recipe holds up well in the fridge, making it perfect for planning your meals in advance without sacrificing flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe has mild spices like paprika and oregano that add warmth without heat. If you prefer more spice, you can easily add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Chicken and Vegetable Skillet Recipe is a reliable, tasty way to bring a nutritious, colorful meal to your table with minimal fuss. Once you try it, it’s easy to imagine this becoming a regular favorite for busy evenings or anytime you crave something fresh and satisfying. I promise, each flavorful bite will make you smile and eager to cook it again!
Print
Healthy Chicken and Vegetable Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts sautéed with fresh, colorful vegetables and seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner, it combines lean protein and a variety of veggies cooked together in a skillet for a wholesome and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup broccoli florets
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Add Olive Oil: Add one tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and swirl it around to coat the bottom evenly, ensuring the chicken doesn’t stick.
- Cook Chicken (First Side): Place the two boneless skinless chicken breasts into the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes without moving them to get a nice golden sear.
- Cook Chicken (Second Side): Flip the chicken breasts over and cook for another 6-7 minutes until they are golden brown and thoroughly cooked.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the skillet and set them aside on a plate to rest, allowing juices to redistribute.
- Sauté Onion: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Zucchini and Bell Pepper: Add the sliced zucchini and red bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to soften.
- Add Cherry Tomatoes and Broccoli: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and broccoli florets to the skillet, mixing them with the other vegetables.
- Season the Vegetables: Sprinkle dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper over the vegetables and stir gently to combine.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour the low-sodium chicken broth into the skillet and stir everything together to incorporate the flavors and add moisture.
- Cover and Cook Vegetables: Cover the skillet and cook the vegetables for 4-5 minutes, allowing the broccoli to become tender yet still vibrant.
- Slice Chicken: While vegetables cook, slice the rested chicken breasts into thin strips to prepare for combining.
- Combine Chicken and Vegetables: Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet with the cooked vegetables, stirring gently to mix.
- Add Lemon Juice: Drizzle lemon juice over the chicken and vegetables to bring brightness and acidity to the dish, stirring to distribute evenly.
- Final Heat Through: Let everything cook together for 2-3 minutes to heat through and allow flavors to meld perfectly.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and serve immediately, ensuring each plate has a balanced portion of chicken and vegetables.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for juicier meat.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or carrots depending on preference.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt depending on the sodium content of your chicken broth.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking and reduce the need for excessive oil.
- For a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes with the other seasonings.
