Description
Chicken Zucchini Skillet is a quick, nutritious, and flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender chicken with crisp zucchini and aromatic garlic. Ready in under 30 minutes, this healthy and balanced dish offers a perfect blend of protein and fresh vegetables, making it ideal for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup and customizable seasoning options.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons or rounds
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (optional)
Seasonings & Oils
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Additions
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Slice the zucchini into half-moons or rounds for even cooking. Dice the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic finely to release its full aroma during cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown on all sides and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Zucchini and Garlic: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Toss in the zucchini slices and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until tender and fragrant, making sure the garlic does not burn.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix gently with the zucchini and garlic. If using cherry tomatoes, add them now and cook for an additional 2 minutes until softened. Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired, allowing it to melt over the warm ingredients.
Notes
- Use uniform cuts to ensure even cooking and balanced texture.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken; cook in batches if necessary to achieve a good sear.
- Choose fresh, firm zucchinis for the best flavor and crunch.
- Sauté garlic on low to prevent burning and bitterness.
- Let the chicken rest briefly after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg