The Chicken and Vegetable Skillet is a one-pan masterpiece that’s both visually stunning and incredibly satisfying. Fresh, vibrant vegetables like zucchini, squash, bell peppers, and tomatoes marry perfectly with tender garlic-seasoned chicken, all brought together with zesty lemon and Italian herbs. This dish is ideal for those busy weeknights when you need a wholesome, hearty meal without the fuss.
Not only does it deliver big on flavor, but it’s also a great way to use up your garden or fridge produce. The simplicity of the ingredients allows you to appreciate each individual flavor, while still enjoying a cohesive, comforting dish. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this skillet has everything you need, freshness, protein, color, and ease.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 zucchini, sliced into half moons
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1 yellow squash, sliced into half moons
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½ red onion, sliced
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2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
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Juice of ½ lemon
Directions:
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Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and half of the Italian seasoning.
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Cook chicken for 6–8 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
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Sauté the red bell pepper, zucchini, squash, and red onion for about 4–5 minutes until slightly tender.
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Stir in the garlic, grape tomatoes, and remaining Italian seasoning. Cook for another 2–3 minutes.
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Return the chicken to the skillet, toss everything together, and cook for 1–2 more minutes.
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Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the skillet, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
One-Pan Chicken and Vegetable Skillet – A Simple, Wholesome Weeknight Hero
If you’re like most home cooks, you love the idea of putting dinner on the table quickly, without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. That’s where this Chicken and Vegetable Skillet comes in. It’s not just another quick dinner, it’s a nutrient-packed, vibrant, one-pan meal that brings together tender chunks of chicken breast with seasonal vegetables in a symphony of color and taste.
This dish is ideal for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or even meal prep days. With just one skillet and a handful of fresh ingredients, you’ll create a savory meal that’s both satisfying and good for you. It’s proof that healthy food doesn’t have to be complicated.
The Beauty of One-Pan Cooking
One-pan or one-skillet meals are incredibly popular and for good reason. They save time, reduce cleanup, and make cooking feel less overwhelming. Instead of juggling multiple pots and pans, everything cooks in a single skillet, and the flavors have time to meld together beautifully.
This particular recipe follows that same principle. First, the chicken is cooked until golden and flavorful, then set aside while the vegetables are sautéed in the same pan. By cooking everything in layers, you ensure that each component is perfectly done, nothing overcooked, nothing soggy.
Choosing the Right Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a classic choice for this recipe because they cook quickly and absorb flavor well. However, you can easily swap in boneless chicken thighs if you prefer a slightly juicier texture and richer flavor. If you’re feeding a crowd, double the chicken and use a larger pan or even cook it in batches.
For the best results, cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Don’t crowd the pan when sautéing, giving the chicken space allows it to brown instead of steam, resulting in more flavor.
Vibrant, Seasonal Vegetables
The vegetables in this dish do more than just bulk it up, they bring color, crunch, and layers of flavor. Zucchini, yellow squash, red bell pepper, red onion, and grape tomatoes create a medley that’s both beautiful and nutritious.
What makes this recipe truly flexible is its adaptability to the seasons. Here are some great vegetable swaps and additions to try:
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Fall/Winter: Add mushrooms, broccoli florets, kale, or sweet potatoes
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Spring: Try asparagus tips, snap peas, or baby carrots
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Summer: Load up on corn, eggplant, or fresh green beans
The key is to chop vegetables to uniform sizes so they cook evenly. And don’t be afraid to season each layer. That’s what gives the dish depth.
Flavor Boosters
While the ingredients are simple, it’s the flavor pairings that elevate the meal. Garlic, paprika, and Italian seasoning form the backbone of the spice mix, while a final squeeze of lemon juice brings brightness and acidity.
To boost the flavor even more, consider these optional add-ons:
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Fresh Herbs: Basil, parsley, or thyme right before serving
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Cheese: A sprinkle of parmesan or feta adds creaminess
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Heat: Crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce
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Umami: A dash of soy sauce or balsamic glaze
These flavor boosters are especially useful if you’re meal prepping and want the dish to stay exciting for a few days.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish checks all the boxes for a healthy, balanced meal:
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Lean protein from chicken helps build and repair muscles
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Fiber-rich vegetables support digestion and keep you full
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Healthy fats from olive oil are great for heart health
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Low in carbs, making it suitable for low-carb or keto lifestyles
For those counting macros or following specific diets like Whole30, Paleo, or gluten-free, this dish is incredibly adaptable. You can easily make it dairy-free, grain-free, or vegan by substituting plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas.
How to Serve It
This Chicken and Vegetable Skillet is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides, depending on your dietary preferences and how hearty you want the meal to be:
For Low-Carb Dieters:
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Cauliflower rice
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Zucchini noodles
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Mashed cauliflower
For Traditional Comfort:
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Steamed rice or brown rice
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Quinoa
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Mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes
For Meal Prep:
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Portion out into containers with your favorite grain
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Top with a boiled egg or avocado slices for extra protein and healthy fat
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Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days
Storage and Reheating
This dish stores beautifully, making it a favorite for meal preppers and busy families. Simply let it cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers.
To store:
Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To freeze:
It can be frozen for up to 2 months, although zucchini and squash may lose some of their texture upon thawing.
To reheat:
Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Kitchen Tips and Variations
Want to make this recipe your own? Here are some ideas:
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Add a sauce: A splash of teriyaki, tahini dressing, or chimichurri can change the profile entirely
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Use a cast iron skillet: Great for caramelization and heat retention
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Add beans: White beans or chickpeas are great plant-based protein additions
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Make it spicy: A little chipotle powder or diced jalapeño kicks things up a notch
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Go cheesy: Melt shredded mozzarella or sprinkle feta right before serving
Great for All Skill Levels
Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, this recipe is practically foolproof. The key lies in prepping your ingredients beforehand and not rushing the sautéing process. Once everything is chopped and seasoned, the cooking goes by quickly and easily.
Kids love the tender chicken and sweet sautéed veggies, and adults appreciate the complex flavor and balanced nutrition. It’s also an excellent way to sneak more vegetables into your diet without it feeling like a chore.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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✅ Ready in 30 minutes
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✅ One pan = easy cleanup
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✅ Great for meal prep or last-minute dinners
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✅ Naturally gluten-free and low-carb
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✅ Customizable with any seasonal produce
Whether you’re cooking for a family of four, preparing lunches for the week, or just making a cozy meal for one, this Chicken and Vegetable Skillet adapts to your needs effortlessly.
Conclusion
The Chicken and Vegetable Skillet is more than just a recipe, it’s a go-to solution for modern home cooking. It’s simple, fresh, and packed with flavor, offering the comfort of a home-cooked meal with the ease of a 30-minute preparation. Its versatility means you’ll never get bored, and the health benefits make it a dish you’ll feel great about serving.
So the next time you’re staring into your fridge wondering what to cook, remember this: with a few veggies, a good skillet, and some well-seasoned chicken, dinner is already halfway done. The Chicken and Vegetable Skillet is your shortcut to fast, flavorful, and nourishing meals.