This Colorful One-Pot Chicken & Veggie Delight is the ultimate balance of convenience and nutrition. With tender chicken, crisp tender broccoli, zucchini, and bell peppers, every bite is bursting with fresh flavors. A perfect dish for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a wholesome family dinner! The combination of garlic, rosemary, and paprika adds a warm depth of flavor, making this skillet meal both hearty and satisfying.
What’s great about this dish is its versatility you can swap in your favorite vegetables, add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for richness, or even spice it up with extra chili powder. Whether served over rice, quinoa, or enjoyed as is, this meal is sure to be a staple in your kitchen. It’s proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 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
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cups bite sized broccoli florets
- 1 zucchini, sliced 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
Directions:
- Cut the chicken into 1 inch pieces, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, paprika, and chili powder. Sprinkle half over the chicken.
- Drizzle ½ tablespoon olive oil over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 12 inch skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and cover.
- Return the skillet to the stove and heat the remaining olive oil. Add onions and cook for 2 minutes, then add broccoli, zucchini, and peppers. If needed, add more oil.
- Season the vegetables with the remaining spice mix, salt, and pepper. Cook for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp tender.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
- Return the cooked chicken (and juices) to the skillet, stir everything together, and cook for another minute.
- Remove from heat, adjust seasoning if needed, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet: A Nutrient-Packed One-Pan Meal
In today’s fast paced world, finding the perfect balance between nutrition, convenience, and flavor can be a challenge. That’s where this Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet comes in a quick and wholesome one pan meal that delivers everything you need for a satisfying and nourishing dinner. Packed with lean protein, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic seasonings, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or simply enjoying a light yet hearty meal that fuels the body.
The beauty of this skillet dish lies in its simplicity and versatility. With minimal prep work and just one pan, you can have a well balanced meal on the table in under 40 minutes. The combination of juicy chicken pieces, crisp tender broccoli, colorful bell peppers, and zucchini creates a visually appealing and nutrient rich dish that’s as delicious as it is healthy. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb option, a gluten-free meal, or just a wholesome recipe the whole family will love, this skillet dinner checks all the boxes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. One-Pan Wonder: Less Cleanup, More Convenience
One of the biggest perks of this recipe is that it’s cooked in a single skillet. No need to juggle multiple pots and pans everything comes together in one place, making cleanup a breeze. This is especially useful for those who love home cooked meals but don’t want to spend extra time washing dishes.
2. Packed with Lean Protein and Fiber
Chicken is a fantastic source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall health. Combined with fiber rich vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers, this dish supports digestion, keeps you full longer, and helps maintain balanced blood sugar levels.
3. Customizable and Diet-Friendly
Whether you follow a low-carb, gluten-free, or paleo diet, this meal can be easily adapted to fit your lifestyle. You can swap the vegetables for your favorites, adjust the seasoning to your preference, or add extras like avocado, feta cheese, or a squeeze of lemon for extra zest.
4. Rich in Antioxidants and Vitamins
The colorful variety of vegetables in this dish is not just for visual appeal they are nutritional powerhouses.
- Broccoli is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber, which support immune health and digestion.
- Bell peppers provide antioxidants like beta carotene and vitamin A, which promote skin and eye health.
- Zucchini is low in calories but high in water content, keeping you hydrated while adding a light, fresh taste.
5. Perfect for Meal Prep
This dish stores well, making it an excellent option for meal prepping. You can make a big batch, divide it into portions, and have ready to go meals for the week. It reheats beautifully, retaining its flavor and texture without becoming soggy.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken and Vegetables Skillet
1. Choose the Right Chicken Cut
For the best texture and juiciness, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Breasts provide a leaner option, while thighs add extra moisture and flavor. Cutting them into uniform bite sized pieces ensures even cooking.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
When cooking the chicken, spread it out in a single layer to allow proper browning. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of searing, which affects the texture and flavor. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
3. Cook Vegetables in Stages
Since different vegetables have varying cooking times, start with the firmer ones like broccoli and bell peppers, and add the softer ones, like zucchini, later. This prevents overcooking and ensures a perfectly crisp tender texture.
4. Use a High-Quality Skillet
A cast iron skillet or stainless steel pan works best for this recipe as they retain heat well and create a beautiful sear on the chicken and vegetables. If using a non stick pan, be cautious with high heat to prevent damaging the coating.
5. Experiment with Seasonings and Sauces
While this recipe includes a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, paprika, and chili powder, you can customize the seasoning based on your preferences.
- For a Mediterranean twist, add oregano, lemon zest, and crumbled feta cheese.
- If you love Asian flavors, toss in some soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil.
- For a spicy kick, sprinkle in extra chili flakes or Cajun seasoning.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This chicken and vegetable skillet is incredibly versatile and can be served in multiple ways:
- Over Rice or Quinoa: Serve it on a bed of brown rice, jasmine rice, or fluffy quinoa for a more filling meal.
- With Cauliflower Rice: If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, swap regular rice for cauliflower rice to keep it light.
- In a Wrap: Turn it into a delicious chicken and veggie wrap by filling a whole grain tortilla with the skillet mixture and a drizzle of sauce.
- With a Side Salad: Pair it with a fresh green salad with avocado, tomatoes, and a simple lemon vinaigrette for added freshness.
- Topped with Cheese: Melt a bit of parmesan, feta, or mozzarella on top for a touch of indulgence.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
This dish is perfect for meal prepping or saving leftovers for later. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze it for up to 2 months in a freezer safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm it up in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to prevent dryness. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Conclusion: A Go-To Healthy Meal for Any Occasion
This Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet is the ultimate meal for those who want flavorful, nutritious, and easy-to-make food without spending hours in the kitchen. Its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and wholesome ingredients make it a standout dish that the whole family will love.
With its simple one-pan preparation, high protein content, and customizable options, this meal is perfect for anyone looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle while enjoying delicious home cooked food. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, cooking for a busy weeknight, or trying to add more vegetables to your diet, this skillet dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
So next time you’re wondering what to cook, give this easy and nutritious chicken and vegetable skillet a try. Not only will your taste buds thank you, but your body will too! Happy cooking!