This Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe is a delicious, simple meal that brings together tender chicken and vibrant vegetables in one pan. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner, this dish is quick to prepare and packed with flavor. You’ll love how easy it is to customize with your favorite veggies, making it a versatile option for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This skillet meal takes just 35 minutes from prep to table, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of garlic, herbs, and spices infuses the chicken and vegetables with delightful flavors.
- Healthy Dish: Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, this recipe is both nutritious and satisfying.
- One-Pan Wonder: Enjoy easy cleanup thanks to cooking everything in a single skillet, leaving you more time to relax.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make preparation smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet (12-inch)
- Mixing bowls
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Provides ample space for cooking chicken and vegetables evenly without overcrowding.
- Mixing bowls: Useful for seasoning the chicken and combining ingredients before cooking.
- Cutting board: Protects your countertops while allowing you to easily chop veggies and meat.
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 apple vinegar, apple juice, or water)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces.
- Season with salt and pepper; set aside.
Step 2: Mix Spices
- In a mixing bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, paprika, and chili powder.
- Take half of this spice mix and sprinkle it over the chicken.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Add ½ tablespoon olive oil to the chicken.
- Toss around until evenly coated in spices.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken pieces.
- Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes until browned on all sides and cooked through.
Step 5: Set Aside Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the skillet.
- Set aside on a plate and cover to keep warm.
Step 6: Sauté Vegetables
- Return skillet to heat; add remaining olive oil.
- Stir in onions; cook for about two minutes until softened.
- Add broccoli, zucchini, yellow bell pepper, and red bell pepper.
- If needed, add more oil; season with remaining spice mix plus salt and pepper.
- Cook for another four to six minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
Step 7: Combine Ingredients
- Stir in low sodium chicken broth.
- Return cooked chicken along with any juices back into the skillet.
- Mix thoroughly; cook for an additional minute until heated through.
Step 8: Garnish & Serve
- Remove from heat; taste for salt adjustment if necessary.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving warm.
Enjoy your flavorful Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe, perfect for any dinner gathering!
How to Serve Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe
This Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe is versatile and can be served in various ways to satisfy different cravings. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will elevate your dining experience.
Serve with Rice
- You can serve the skillet dish over fluffy white or brown rice for a filling meal. The rice absorbs the flavors of the chicken and broth beautifully.
Pair with Quinoa
- Quinoa is a nutritious alternative that adds a nutty flavor. It’s packed with protein and makes a great base for this dish.
Add a Side Salad
- A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the chicken. Consider arugula, spinach, or mixed greens for added nutrition.
Top with Avocado
- Sliced or diced avocado on top adds creaminess and healthy fats. It complements the flavors of the dish nicely.
Serve in Lettuce Wraps
- For a low-carb option, serve the chicken and vegetables in sturdy lettuce leaves. This adds crunch while keeping it light.
How to Perfect Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe
Perfecting this Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe is easy with some helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to enhance your cooking experience.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and texture. Choose seasonal produce for the best results.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak spices according to your preference. Add more chili powder for extra heat or herbs for freshness.
- Cook in Batches: If you have a lot of ingredients, cooking them in batches prevents overcrowding, ensuring even cooking.
- Finish with Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors and adds freshness.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the skillet to sit after cooking helps meld all flavors together before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe
Complement your Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe with these delicious side dishes that round out your meal perfectly.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort alongside the chicken.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes roasted until crispy add a hint of sweetness that pairs well with savory chicken.
- Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans offer a crisp contrast to the tender chicken and veggies.
- Herbed Couscous: Fluffy couscous tossed with herbs creates a delightful side that absorbs juices from the skillet dish.
- Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb option that mimics traditional rice while adding fiber; season it lightly for best results.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and fun; it’s perfect for summer gatherings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Skipping seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Always season your chicken with salt and spices before cooking for a tastier dish.
- Overcrowding the skillet: Adding too much chicken or vegetables at once can cause steaming rather than browning. Cook in batches if needed to ensure everything gets that nice sear.
- Not preheating the skillet: Cooking in a cold skillet prevents the chicken from browning effectively. Make sure your skillet is hot before adding any ingredients.
- Ignoring vegetable doneness: Overcooking vegetables can make them mushy. Keep an eye on them and remove them from heat when they are crisp-tender.
- Using low-quality oil: Using oils with low smoke points can affect flavor and texture. Opt for high-quality olive oil for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover chicken and vegetables in an airtight container.
- It can last in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe
- Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
- It will keep well for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe that might help you out:
What vegetables work best for Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe?
You can use a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, or snap peas. Choose what’s fresh or available!
Can I substitute the chicken in this Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe?
Yes! Turkey or even beef can be great substitutes if you prefer different proteins.
How do I make this Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe healthier?
You can reduce the amount of oil used or add more vegetables to increase fiber content while keeping calories low.
Is this Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prepping as it stores well in both the fridge and freezer.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite veggies or adjust the spices according to your taste preferences. Give it a try tonight for a quick, healthy dinner option that everyone will love!
Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe
This Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe is the ideal solution for busy weeknights when you crave a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With tender chicken pieces sautéed alongside colorful vegetables, this one-pan dish is bursting with flavor and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. In just 35 minutes, you can serve up a wholesome dinner that the whole family will enjoy. The combination of garlic, herbs, and spices elevates the dish, while the easy cleanup makes it stress-free. Perfect over rice or quinoa, this recipe is not only satisfying but also packed with lean protein and vitamins.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
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 apple vinegar, apple juice, or water)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces and season with salt, pepper, and half of the spice mix.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; cook chicken until browned (6–8 minutes). Remove and keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil, sauté onions for 2 minutes, then add broccoli, zucchini, and bell peppers. Season and cook until crisp-tender (4–6 minutes).
- Stir in chicken broth and return chicken to the skillet; mix well and heat through (1 minute).
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg