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If you’re on the lookout for something vibrant, nourishing, and unbelievably flavorful, this Healthy Chicken and Vegetable Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a fantastic medley of tender chicken chunks spiced just right, paired with a colorful orchestra of fresh veggies that come together in one pan. This dish not only bursts with taste but also packs a wholesome punch, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or anytime you want to feel good about what’s on your plate. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to pull together, proving that healthy eating can be simple and satisfying!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating your delicious skillet masterpiece. Each one plays a critical role: from the juicy chicken which provides protein, to the bright vegetables that add texture and color, and the herbs and spices that infuse every bite with warmth and depth.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Gives a rich base and helps brown the chicken to perfection.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces: The lean protein star of the dish.
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to elevate all flavors.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds savory depth without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances natural sweetness and rounds out spice.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Brings a fragrant herbal touch that complements chicken beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds a subtle piney aroma and flavor.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Offers a smoky, mild heat and gorgeous color.
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon chili powder: Just enough to give a gentle kick to wake up your palate.
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced: Sweetens the skillet as it softens and caramelizes.
- 3 cups bite-size broccoli florets: Adds crunch, bright green color, plus nutrients.
- 1 zucchini, thinly sliced and cut into half-moons: Brings delicate texture and freshness.
- 1 small yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks: Provides sweetness and vivid sunshine color.
- 1 small red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks: Adds a vibrant, slightly tangy contrast.
- ¼ cup low sodium chicken broth (or apple juice, or water): Keeps everything juicy and helps blend flavors.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: A fresh pop of green and inviting fragrance to finish.
How to Make Healthy Chicken and Vegetable Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-size pieces — about one inch is perfect for quick, even cooking. Season generously with salt and pepper for that foundational flavor. Then, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, paprika, and chili powder in a small bowl. Sprinkle half of this aromatic spice blend over the chicken, coating every piece evenly. Drizzle half a tablespoon of olive oil and toss gently to help the spices stick and give the chicken a slight sheen.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and let them cook for six to eight minutes, turning occasionally, until each piece is beautifully browned on the outside and cooked through. This browning process adds tremendous flavor through caramelization. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm while you cook the vegetables.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Return the skillet to the stove and add the remaining olive oil. Toss in the sliced onions and sauté for about two minutes until they begin to soften and release their natural sweetness. Then, add the broccoli florets, zucchini slices, and chunks of yellow and red bell peppers. Sprinkle with the reserved spice mix and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional four to six minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables turn crisp-tender and vibrantly colored.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour in the chicken broth, which adds moisture and helps meld the flavors. Give everything a good stir to combine, then return the cooked chicken along with any juices collected on the plate back into the skillet. Cook together for another minute to let the flavors marry beautifully. Taste the skillet and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed. Finally, remove from heat and get ready to serve!
How to Serve Healthy Chicken and Vegetable Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled on top is like the cherry on this savory masterpiece. It adds a lovely pop of color, a subtle burst of herbaceous brightness, and a fresh aroma that invites you to dig in. Feel free to toss in a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra zing if you like your meals with a citrusy lift.
Side Dishes
This skillet stands perfectly well on its own for a balanced meal, but pairing it with some fluffy quinoa, brown rice, or even a warm slice of whole-grain crusty bread can make the meal feel extra wholesome. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the dish’s hearty textures and vibrant flavors without overwhelming it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this recipe inside warm whole wheat tortillas for a deconstructed fajita experience. Alternatively, spoon it over a bed of creamy mashed cauliflower or spiralized zucchini noodles to keep things light yet filling. It also makes a brilliant filling for stuffed bell peppers when you want to impress guests without adding complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover chicken and vegetables into an airtight container and refrigerate. The skillet keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, making it an excellent choice for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This Healthy Chicken and Vegetable Skillet Recipe can also be frozen for longer storage. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It’s best to consume frozen leftovers within 2 months to preserve the freshest flavor and texture possible.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth can prevent drying out. You can also use a microwave for convenience, but be sure to cover to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this skillet recipe?
Absolutely! This Healthy Chicken and Vegetable Skillet Recipe is very adaptable. Feel free to swap in veggies like mushrooms, snap peas, carrots, or green beans depending on what you have available. Just adjust cooking times to keep everything crisp-tender.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely. It stores and reheats well, so you can prepare it in advance and enjoy healthy, home-cooked meals throughout the week without additional effort.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check any broth or seasoning blends to ensure they don’t contain gluten additives.
What can I use instead of chicken if I want a vegetarian version?
Try substituting the chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or even chickpeas for a plant-based spin. Simply season and cook them similarly, but adjust cooking times to avoid overcooking.
Is this dish spicy because of the chili powder?
The chili powder adds a mild warmth rather than intense heat. You can always reduce or omit it if you prefer a gentler flavor or increase it for extra kick. The recipe is quite forgiving!
Final Thoughts
I’m so excited for you to try this Healthy Chicken and Vegetable Skillet Recipe because it truly delivers on every front — packed with vibrant veggies, perfectly seasoned chicken, and a comforting, wholesome feel. It’s one of those dishes that can brighten up your dinner table any day of the week, easily becoming a favorite go-to. Once you make it, I promise you’ll love coming back to it again and again.
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Print
Healthy Chicken and Vegetable Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet is a quick and nutritious one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breast pieces sautéed with a colorful medley of fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner, this recipe combines simple ingredients and bold spices for a flavorful, low-fat dish that’s ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 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
Vegetables
- 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
Other
- ¼ cup low sodium chicken broth (or apple juice, or water)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
- Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, paprika, and chili powder. Sprinkle half of this seasoning mix over the chicken pieces.
- Coat Chicken with Oil: Drizzle ½ tablespoon olive oil over the seasoned chicken and toss to coat evenly.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and fully cooked.
- Set Chicken Aside: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, cover, and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Vegetables: Return the skillet to heat and add the remaining olive oil. Add the sliced onions and cook for 2 minutes. Then add broccoli, zucchini, and bell peppers. Season with remaining spice mix, plus salt and pepper. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are crisp-tender. Add more oil if necessary.
- Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything together to combine the flavors.
- Combine Chicken and Vegetables: Return the cooked chicken along with its juices back to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another minute to meld the flavors.
- Adjust Seasoning: Remove the skillet from heat. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the skillet and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a lower sodium option, use water or apple juice instead of chicken broth.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless skinless chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or snap peas based on preference.
- Serve with whole grains like brown rice or quinoa for a more filling meal.
- Adjust chili powder amount to control the spiciness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
