Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet
**Introduction**
This Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet is a vibrant, one-pan wonder that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s a hearty and nourishing dish featuring tender, golden-brown chicken simmered with a colorful medley of crisp-tender vegetables in a light, savory herb-infused broth. The overall character is fresh, satisfying, and deeply comforting without being heavy. It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight when you need a balanced, home-cooked meal on the table quickly, or for a simple yet impressive dinner for guests. This recipe proves that healthy eating can be incredibly delicious, convenient, and far from boring.
**Perfect for:**
Quick and healthy weeknight dinners
Low-carb or high-protein diets
Meal prep for effortless lunches
Using up seasonal vegetables
A light but satisfying family meal
**Why You’ll Love This Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe**
**Incredibly Flavorful and Satisfying:** The chicken is seared to perfection, creating a fond in the pan that forms the base for a deeply savory and aromatic sauce that coats every ingredient.
**True One-Skillet Meal:** From searing the chicken to sautéing the vegetables and reducing the sauce, every step happens in a single skillet. This means incredible flavor development and dramatically easier cleanup.
**Nutrient-Packed and Balanced:** Loaded with lean protein and a generous portion of colorful vegetables, this dish is a complete, health-conscious meal that supports your wellness goals without sacrificing taste.
**Endlessly Versatile:** The vegetable combination is a template. Easily swap in your favorites or whatever is in season, making this a recipe you can rely on all year round.
**Preparation and Cooking Time**
Total Time: 40 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 280-330 calories
**Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Estimate):**
**Calories:** 280-330 kcal
**Protein:** 35g
**Carbohydrates:** 12g
**Fat:** 10g
**Fiber:** 3g
**Sugar:** 6g
**Nutritional Disclaimer**
aileen recipes is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
**Ingredients**
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and black pepper, to taste
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 medium zucchini, chopped
* 1 medium yellow squash, chopped
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
* 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
* 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
* ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
**Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. **Season the Chicken:** Pat the chicken cubes dry and place them in a bowl. Toss with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
2. **Sear the Chicken:** Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook, without moving, for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. **Sauté the Aromatics:** Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. **Cook the Hard Vegetables:** Add the chopped zucchini, yellow squash, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and develop a slight char.
5. **Deglaze and Simmer:** Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the fresh thyme. Bring to a simmer and let the liquid reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes.
6. **Add Remaining Ingredients:** Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and the cooked chicken along with any accumulated juices. Cook for 2-3 more minutes, just until the tomatoes begin to wilt and the chicken is heated through.
7. **Finish and Garnish:** Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
**How to Serve Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet**
As a complete, low-carb meal straight from the skillet.
Served over a bed of cauliflower rice, quinoa, or brown rice to soak up the delicious juices.
Alongside a simple arugula salad with a shaving of parmesan cheese.
Topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or chives for a bright, fresh finish.
**Additional Tips for Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet**
Cut the chicken and vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure everything cooks evenly.
Avoid overcrowding the skillet when searing the chicken. Cook in two batches if necessary to get a proper golden-brown sear instead of steaming.
For a richer sauce, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste with the garlic and cook for one minute before adding the broth.
The lemon juice added at the end is crucial; it brightens all the flavors and balances the dish perfectly.
**Recipe Variations of Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet**
**Creamy Garlic Herb Version:** After returning the chicken to the skillet, stir in ½ cup of plain Greek yogurt or light coconut milk until a creamy sauce forms. Heat through gently without boiling.
**Spicy Cajun Version:** Replace the smoked paprika and garlic powder with 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
**Mushroom and Spinach Version:** Add 8 oz of sliced cremini mushrooms with the onions. At the very end, stir in 2 large handfuls of fresh spinach and cook just until wilted.
**Freezing and Storage for Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet**
**Storage:** Allow the skillet to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet on the stovetop or in the microwave.
**Freezing:** This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Note that the texture of the zucchini and squash may become softer upon thawing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
**FAQ Section about Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet**
**Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?**
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent choice. They are more forgiving and will stay juicy. The cooking time will be similar.
**My vegetables are releasing too much water. What should I do?**
Ensure your skillet is hot enough when adding the vegetables. If the skillet becomes too watery, simply increase the heat for the last few minutes of cooking to allow the excess liquid to evaporate.
**Is this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free?**
Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Always check your chicken broth labels to confirm they meet your dietary needs.
**Conclusion of Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe**
This Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet is the ultimate weeknight hero, combining simplicity, nutrition, and robust flavor in one elegant package. It transforms basic, wholesome ingredients into a meal that feels both gourmet and completely approachable. The ease of a single pan, the flexibility to use what you have, and the guarantee of a delicious, healthy outcome make this recipe a cornerstone for any home cook. It’s a reliable, go-to solution that demonstrates how good for you can also taste exceptionally good. Make this once, and it will quickly become a trusted favorite in your regular dinner rotation.