Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet

Total Time: 45 mins Difficulty: Beginner
A wholesome, savory blend of tender chicken and vibrant veggies, sautéed to perfection for a deliciously healthy meal you'll love!
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The beauty of this Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet is how easily it comes together with just a few simple ingredients, yet the flavors are anything but basic. As the chicken sears in the skillet, the sizzle of the meat mingles with the earthy aroma of garlic and the slight sweetness of bell peppers. You can practically smell the goodness filling your kitchen with every flip of the chicken. The vegetables soften and caramelize beautifully, adding a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Each bite of the chicken is tender and juicy, while the vegetables offer a satisfying crunch, giving you that perfect contrast.

What I love most about this dish is how versatile it is. If you’re in the mood for a little extra zing, a sprinkle of lemon juice right at the end brightens the entire skillet, lifting the flavors in the most refreshing way. And if you have any leftover herbs from other meals, don’t hesitate to throw them in for an extra burst of fragrance—fresh rosemary or thyme work wonders here. You could even swap in your favorite vegetables depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand, like zucchini, asparagus, or even sweet potatoes for a different twist. It’s a quick, nourishing meal that can be customized to fit your tastes or whatever your fridge has to offer!

When it comes to making this Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet, each ingredient plays an essential role in bringing the dish to life. From the juicy chicken that forms the base of the meal to the colorful vegetables that add both texture and flavor, every component is thoughtfully chosen to work together in harmony. Let’s dive into the key ingredients that make this skillet so delicious and satisfying.

Key Ingredients for Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet

Chicken Breast
Lean and tender, chicken breast is the star of this dish. It sears beautifully in the skillet, locking in moisture while developing a golden, crispy exterior. It provides a mild flavor that pairs wonderfully with the vibrant vegetables.

Bell Peppers
Sweet and crunchy, bell peppers add a pop of color and a mild sweetness to balance out the savory elements of the dish. Their natural sugars caramelize as they cook, bringing out a rich flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.

Zucchini
Light and tender, zucchini adds a subtle, fresh flavor to the dish. It cooks quickly, softening just enough to absorb the savory juices from the chicken and garlic while maintaining a satisfying bite.

Garlic
Ah, garlic! It’s the aromatic base that infuses the dish with depth and warmth. As it sizzles in the pan, it fills the kitchen with that unmistakable savory fragrance, adding a robust flavor to both the chicken and vegetables.

Olive Oil
The perfect fat for sautéing, olive oil adds a smooth richness to the dish. It helps achieve that golden sear on the chicken and allows the vegetables to cook evenly, while also contributing a subtle fruity flavor that rounds out the meal.

Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme bring an aromatic punch to the skillet. They elevate the dish with their earthy notes, adding a layer of complexity to the flavor profile. Plus, they add a touch of vibrancy that makes the dish feel extra special.

Lemon
A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens the entire dish, cutting through the savory richness of the chicken and vegetables. It adds a fresh, tangy finish that elevates the overall flavor and brings everything together.

Each ingredient is chosen to create a balanced, flavorful dish that’s not only healthy but also bursting with vibrant flavors. And the best part? You can mix and match based on what’s in season or what you have on hand!

How to Make Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet


  • STEP 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Swirl the oil to coat the bottom of the skillet evenly.
  • STEP 2: Season both sides of 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  • STEP 3: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Add 1 red bell pepper (sliced into strips), 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced into strips), and 1 zucchini (sliced into half-moons). Stir occasionally and sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until they begin to soften and caramelize slightly.
  • STEP 4: While the vegetables cook, mince 3 cloves of garlic. Once the peppers and zucchini are just tender, add the garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  • STEP 5: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, placing them on top of the vegetables. Add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme, or any herbs of your choice, to the pan for added flavor.
  • STEP 6: Cover the skillet with a lid and let everything cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to reheat.
  • STEP 7: Once the chicken is heated through, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the entire skillet to add a burst of freshness. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
  • STEP 8: Serve immediately, ensuring each plate has a generous helping of both chicken and vegetables. Enjoy the vibrant, healthy goodness of your skillet meal!

Serving Suggestions for Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet

Pair with Quinoa or Brown Rice
For a complete meal, serve your chicken and veggies over a bed of fluffy quinoa or nutty brown rice. The grains soak up all the flavorful juices from the skillet, making every bite even more satisfying. Plus, they add a lovely, wholesome texture to balance out the tender chicken and crisp vegetables.

Top with Feta or Goat Cheese
Want to take it up a notch? Crumble some creamy feta or tangy goat cheese over the top just before serving. The salty, creamy cheese contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the peppers and the savory chicken, adding an indulgent touch without overwhelming the dish.

Serve with a Side Salad
A light, crisp side salad is the perfect partner for this skillet. Try a mix of greens like arugula or spinach, tossed with a simple lemon vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad complements the warm, hearty skillet, offering a refreshing contrast that makes the meal feel even lighter and more vibrant.

How to Store Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet

If you happen to have any leftovers (lucky you!), storing them properly ensures that the dish stays just as delicious the next time you dig in. First, allow the skillet to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps preserve the freshness and flavor while keeping moisture locked in.

When stored in the fridge, your Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet will keep for about 3-4 days. Just be sure to reheat it gently to avoid drying out the chicken—either in the microwave for a quick meal or in a skillet over low heat with a little splash of water to bring back that juiciness.

If you’re planning to keep leftovers for longer, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Just be mindful that the vegetables might lose a bit of their crispness when thawed, but the flavors will still shine through. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm it up in a skillet or microwave. This way, you get to enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal even when you’re pressed for time!

Conclusion


And there you have it – a vibrant, hearty, and wholesome Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet that’s perfect for any day of the week! With its combination of juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and those simple yet powerful flavors, this dish is truly a winner in my kitchen. It’s the kind of meal that’s not only nourishing but also incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for everything from a busy weeknight to a lazy Sunday dinner.

I love how easy it is to customize, too! Whether you swap in different veggies or add a sprinkle of your favorite cheese, it’s all about making it your own. And don’t forget, the leftovers are just as delicious—so don’t be shy about doubling the recipe!

I’d love to hear what you think if you give this a try. Have any tips of your own or maybe a twist on the recipe? Drop me a comment or let me know if you have any questions! I’m always here to help and excited to chat about all things cooking. Let’s keep the kitchen fun and flavorful together!

Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 25 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 45 mins
Calories: 400

Description

Tender, juicy chicken sears to golden perfection, paired with vibrant veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach. A touch of garlic, herbs, and lemon adds fresh, zesty flavor. This one-pan meal is healthy, hearty, and bursting with goodness!

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add two tablespoons of boneless chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides.
  3. Sprinkle one teaspoon of powdered cloves over the chicken as it cooks, allowing the spices to infuse the meat.
  4. Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink in the center, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
  5. In the same skillet, add one chopped carrot, stirring occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly and softens slightly.
  6. Add a bell pepper, chopped into small pieces, and cook it alongside the carrot until it becomes tender and slightly caramelized.
  7. Add one cup of sliced zucchini to the skillet, allowing it to cook down and become tender, stirring occasionally.
  8. Sprinkle one teaspoon of dried thyme over the vegetables, letting the herb blend into the mix as it heats up.
  9. Season with black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning based on your preference for spice.
  10. Pour one cup of chicken broth into the skillet, ensuring the vegetables are coated and begin to simmer.
  11. Let the broth reduce slightly, allowing the flavors to meld together for about 5 minutes.
  12. Chop fresh parsley and sprinkle it generously over the vegetables and broth in the skillet.
  13. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together to combine.
  14. Allow the chicken to absorb the flavors of the broth and vegetables for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  15. Once the chicken and vegetables are thoroughly combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat.
  16. Serve the dish hot, garnishing with extra fresh parsley if desired.

Note

  • Make sure the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center before removing it from the skillet.
  • Adjust the amount of black pepper based on your spice preference; you can also add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
  • For a slightly sweeter flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the powdered cloves.
  • If you prefer more texture, leave the zucchini slightly firmer by reducing the cooking time.
  • For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
Keywords: healthy chicken chicken and vegetables, easy healthy dinner, one chicken and healthy, one chicken vegetables-calorie chicken

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I use a different type of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different cuts of chicken such as chicken breast, thighs, or even pre-cooked chicken. Just ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly before adding it back to the skillet. If using bone-in chicken, you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Can I substitute the chicken broth with something else?

Yes, you can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option or water if you prefer a lighter flavor. However, using broth will add a richer taste and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

If you like more heat, you can add some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the black pepper to increase the spice level. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of extra chicken broth if necessary to maintain moisture.

What can I serve this dish with?

This Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet pairs well with a variety of sides, such as brown rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad. For a low-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli.

Maria Bennet

Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I’m Maria Bennet! A self-taught home cook and food lover with a passion for creating simple, delicious recipes that bring people together

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