Colorful Chicken & Veggie Skillet Recipe: A Joyful Healthy Meal

Cooking up a delightful chicken and vegetables skillet brings joy to every dinner table.

This hearty skillet recipe blends tender chicken pieces with colorful seasonal vegetables in a way that delights taste buds.

Fresh ingredients dance together, creating a nutritious meal that satisfies hunger and nourishes the body.

Crisp bell peppers, zucchini, and succulent chicken intermingle with aromatic herbs and spices.

The one-pan wonder promises a quick and effortless cooking experience for busy home chefs.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of protein and vegetables, making this skillet a go-to meal for health-conscious eaters.

Dive into this simple yet delectable recipe that guarantees smiles around the dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 4

What You’ll Need for Chicken & Veggie Skillet Dinners

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that provides essential nutrients and creates tender, flavorful base for the dish.
• Salt: Enhances the chicken's natural flavor and helps seasoning penetrate the meat.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the chicken's overall taste profile.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses savory, aromatic notes without adding moisture to the meat.
• Paprika: Brings warm, slightly smoky undertones and beautiful golden-brown color to the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Provides healthy cooking medium with rich, smooth flavor that supports even cooking and prevents sticking.

• Additional Seasonings: Customize flavor profile with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano for extra complexity.
• Lemon Juice: Optional bright acidic finish to elevate the chicken's natural taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Add optional spicy kick for those who enjoy more heat.

Tools to Cook a Healthy Chicken Veggie Skillet

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and vegetables evenly with good heat distribution.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for preparing and chopping ingredients safely.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for cubing chicken and chopping vegetables with precision.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir and move ingredients around the skillet without scratching.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
• Meat Thermometer: Confirms chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F/75C.

Steps to Make This Wholesome Chicken Skillet

• Sizzle the Skillet Kick things off by warming up olive oil in a roomy pan over a medium-high flame. The oil should shimmer and dance, ready for action.
• Transform Chicken Brown the chicken cubes, giving them a flavor boost with a sprinkle of seasonings. Toss and turn the pieces to create a golden, crispy exterior that locks in all the delicious juices.
• Cook to Perfection Keep the chicken moving around the pan, ensuring each piece gets evenly cooked. Watch for that beautiful golden color and listen for the satisfying sizzle that signals it's perfectly done.
• Rest and Prepare Gently transfer the cooked chicken to a waiting plate. Let it take a quick breather while you get ready for the next exciting stage of your culinary adventure.

Healthy Cooking Tips & Veggie Pairing Ideas

• Protein Perfection: Choose skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs for leaner or more flavorful options without changing cooking technique.
• Veggie Versatility: Swap seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus to keep the dish exciting and nutritionally diverse throughout the year.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace starchy vegetables with cauliflower, broccoli, or spinach to reduce carbohydrate content and boost nutrient density.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Ensure all spices are certified gluten-free and verify ingredients to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Meal Prep Magic: Cook extra chicken and vegetables to store in airtight containers for quick lunches or dinners during busy weekdays, lasting up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Meal Serving Ideas for Chicken Veggie Skillet

• Flavor Fusion Plate: Serve this skillet over fluffy quinoa or brown rice to soak up the delicious pan juices and add extra nutrition.
• Herbal Garnish Boost: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, basil, or cilantro on top to brighten the dish with vibrant green color and zesty flavor profiles.
• Protein Power Bowl: Transform the chicken and veggie skillet into a hearty meal by adding a soft-boiled egg, sliced avocado, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for creamy texture and added protein.
• Quick Wrap Option: Roll the chicken and vegetable mixture into whole wheat tortillas for an easy lunch or on-the-go meal that's packed with lean protein and fresh ingredients.

Save & Reheat Tips for Healthy Chicken Meals

• Quick Cooling Strategy: Let the chicken and vegetables cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes before storing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain food quality.
• Refrigeration Smart Tactic: Transfer the skillet meal to an airtight container, which can safely store the dish for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to lock in freshness.
• Freezing Friendly Method: Portion the chicken and vegetable skillet into individual meal-sized containers before freezing. These meals will stay delicious for up to 2 months when properly sealed and stored at 0°F.
• Reheating Pro Tip: Warm the refrigerated or thawed skillet meal in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir gently and heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Vibrant Healthy Chicken And Vegetables Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired skillet chicken blends zesty spices and fresh vegetables in a quick, nutritious one-pan meal. Home cooks can enjoy this protein-packed dish that combines lean protein with colorful produce for a satisfying dinner.

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Ingredients

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• 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized cubes)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 small zucchini (sliced into half-moons)
• 1 small bell pepper (any color, chopped)
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ lemon (juice)
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley or basil (chopped)
• Parmesan or feta cheese (grated)

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Instructions

1. Skillet Preparation: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating an optimal cooking environment for chicken and vegetables.
2. Chicken Seasoning and Searing: Add cubed chicken, generously coating with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoky paprika. Sear chicken pieces continuously, ensuring even browning and thorough cooking until golden and reaching 165°F/75°C, approximately 5-6 minutes.
3. Vegetable Integration: Remove chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, introduce diced bell peppers, zucchini, and onions, allowing them to caramelize and absorb the flavorful chicken remnants, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
4. Final Combination: Return chicken to the skillet, gently tossing with vegetables to meld flavors and reheat protein, creating a harmonious and nutritious one-pan meal that showcases vibrant colors and complementary textures.
5. Plating and Garnish: Transfer the skillet contents to serving plates, optionally sprinkling fresh parsley or basil for a burst of herbal freshness and visual appeal.

Notes

• Seasoning Strategy: Create a robust spice blend by mixing salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoky paprika in equal proportions for maximum flavor penetration.
• Temperature Control: Use medium-high heat to achieve perfect golden-brown chicken without burning, ensuring crispy exterior and juicy interior.
• Prevent Cross-Contamination: Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw chicken, cleaning thoroughly after preparation to maintain food safety standards.
• Protein Versatility: Easily swap chicken with tofu, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for dietary accommodations like vegetarian or low-fat meal options.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg