Colorful One-Pot Chicken & Veggie Delight: A Healthy Feast

If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and colorful meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrients, then this Colorful One-Pot Chicken & Veggie Delight is exactly what you need. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken pieces and a vibrant medley of vegetables, all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup. The perfect balance of savory spices, fresh vegetables, and lean protein makes this meal both delicious and wholesome. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a healthy dinner for your family or prepping for a busy week, this recipe checks all the boxes. Plus, the vibrant colors make this meal visually appealing and enjoyable for both kids and adults alike.

Not only is this dish healthy, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can swap in your favorite vegetables depending on what you have on hand, and the one-pot cooking method saves you time and effort. A dash of paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder gives the chicken a flavorful kick, while the vegetables stay crisp and fresh. Garnished with a bit of fresh parsley, this dish is as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate. It’s a meal that will leave you feeling full and satisfied without weighing you down.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

This dish is made in one pot and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

2. Healthy and Nutritious

Packed with lean chicken and a variety of colorful vegetables, this dish provides a good mix of protein, fiber, and vitamins. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a low-calorie yet filling meal.

3. Flavorful and Savory

A perfect balance of spices like paprika, thyme, and rosemary infuses the chicken with rich flavor, while the vegetables add freshness and crunch.

4. Versatile

You can easily swap in other veggies like carrots, green beans, or sweet potatoes based on what you have in your fridge or your flavor preferences.

5. Easy Cleanup

With the one-pot method, there’s no need for multiple pans or dishes, making cleanup a breeze after enjoying your meal.

Ingredients

  • Olive oil
  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • Salt and fresh ground black pepper (to taste)
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Dried thyme
  • Dried rosemary
  • Paprika
  • Chili powder
  • Yellow onion (thinly sliced)
  • Broccoli florets (bite-size)
  • Zucchini (thinly sliced and cut into half-moons)
  • Yellow bell pepper (cut into 1-inch chunks)
  • Red bell pepper (cut into 1-inch chunks)
  • Low sodium chicken broth (or dry white wine, apple juice, or water)
  • Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Variations

  • Vegetable Substitutes: You can replace the zucchini, bell peppers, and broccoli with any of your favorite vegetables such as green beans, carrots, or spinach.
  • Protein Options: For a variation, try swapping the chicken for lean turkey breast, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
  • Spicy Kick: If you love spicy food, increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, paprika, and chili powder.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced onion, broccoli florets, zucchini, and bell peppers. Sauté the vegetables for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.

Step 4: Add the Liquid

Pour the chicken broth (or your choice of liquid) into the skillet, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Vegetables

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to combine everything. Let the mixture simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to reach your desired level of tenderness.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot as a healthy, flavorful main course.

Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Ensure the chicken is cooked through, but be careful not to overcook it as it can become dry.
  • Vegetable Crunch: For more texture, try not to over-sauté the vegetables. You want them to stay crisp-tender.
  • Flavor Boost: If you like a stronger flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of balsamic vinegar just before serving.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe makes a great meal prep option. Store individual portions in airtight containers for an easy grab-and-go lunch or dinner.

How to Serve

This one-pot dish is complete on its own, but you can serve it with a side of brown rice, quinoa, or whole wheat bread for added heartiness. It’s also great as a standalone meal for a light, satisfying dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a skillet.

Reheating

To reheat, place the dish in a skillet over low heat and add a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out. Cover and heat until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?

Yes, feel free to use other vegetables like green beans, carrots, or cauliflower in place of the ones listed.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs would work wonderfully in this dish. Just make sure to cook them through.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t contain any wheat-based ingredients.

4. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, this dish is already dairy-free. Just make sure to avoid any dairy-based toppings if you’re serving it with extras.

5. Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook this recipe in a slow cooker. Brown the chicken first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender.

6. Can I substitute the chicken broth?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth, white wine, or apple juice, depending on your preference.

7. How can I add more spice to the dish?

Add extra chili powder, paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for added heat.

8. Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?

Fresh vegetables are recommended for the best texture, but you can use frozen vegetables if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to adjust cooking time accordingly.

9. How do I keep the chicken moist?

To keep the chicken juicy, avoid overcooking it. Chicken breasts can dry out quickly, so monitor them while cooking.

10. How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes about 4 servings, depending on portion size.

Conclusion

Colorful One-Pot Chicken & Veggie Delight is the perfect healthy meal that’s easy to make and full of flavor. With minimal prep and cleanup, you’ll have a nutritious dish that satisfies your cravings for both protein and vegetables. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a wholesome meal to enjoy throughout the week, this dish is a great choice. Try this recipe today and enjoy a vibrant, healthy feast in no time!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Colorful One-Pot Chicken & Veggie Delight: A Healthy Feast


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This vibrant, one-pot meal is packed with flavor and nutrients! Tender chicken breasts are seasoned with garlic, onion, and herbs, then sautéed with a colorful array of vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, and bell peppers. It’s a quick, healthy, and easy-to-make dinner option that’s as tasty as it is nutritious. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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 (adjust to your spice preference)

  • 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 wine, apple juice, or water)

  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish


Instructions

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

  • Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, paprika, and chili powder.

  • Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

  • In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until softened.

  • Add the broccoli, zucchini, yellow bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

  • Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the chicken broth (or alternative liquid) to the pan and stir to combine.

  • Cover and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.

 

  • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Feel free to swap or add any vegetables you like, such as carrots, green beans, or spinach.

  • For extra flavor, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top before serving.

  • You can make this dish ahead of time and reheat for easy meal prep throughout the week.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star