If you’re looking for a fast, fresh, and nourishing meal that brings both color and flavor to your table, this Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet is about to become your new go-to! It combines juicy chicken and a rainbow of crisp-tender veggies, all tossed together in one pan with the bright zing of lemon and a sprinkle of Italian herbs. This dish is as easy as it is satisfying, making it perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you want a hearty dinner that doesn’t weigh you down. With its balanced flavors and wholesome ingredients, Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet truly makes healthy eating something to look forward to.

Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple doesn’t mean boring: each ingredient in this Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet shines on its own while also working together for a balanced, craveable meal. The chicken adds satisfying lean protein, the veggies deliver gorgeous color and crunch, and the zesty seasonings tie everything together for a dish that’s both cheerful and delicious.

Olive oil: Adds rich flavor and helps sauté everything to golden perfection.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Their mild taste absorbs all the savory seasoning while remaining tender and juicy.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning each bite just right.
Garlic powder: Layers in a warm, aromatic flavor that really awakens the dish.
Dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs for that classic Mediterranean backdrop—think oregano, basil, and thyme.
Red bell pepper: Brings sweetness and a flash of bold color.
Zucchini: Offers a delicate texture and soaks up all the flavors in the skillet.
Yellow squash: Similar to zucchini but with a sunny hue and a softer bite.
Broccoli florets: Tuck in fiber and a lovely, earthy crunch.
Red onion: Adds a hint of sharpness and turns slightly caramelized as it cooks.
Fresh garlic: Gives the finished skillet an irresistible savory punch.
Lemon juice: Brightens up everything with a tangy, fresh finish.
Fresh parsley: (Optional) A burst of green for garnish and a pop of herbal freshness.

How to Make Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet

Step 1: Season and Sauté the Chicken

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, cut your chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces and sprinkle them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Once your skillet is hot, add the seasoned chicken and let it cook for 6 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure all sides get nicely golden and the pieces are cooked through. When done, transfer the chicken onto a plate and keep it warm—you’ll be adding it back in soon!

Step 2: Cook the Colorful Vegetables

With the chicken out of the skillet, bring in the vegetables! Add the chopped red bell pepper, zucchini slices, yellow squash slices, broccoli florets, and the sliced red onion right into the same pan. Sauté these together for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often. The veggies should become tender but still retain a gentle crispness for the best texture—that’s what makes every bite of this Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet so satisfying.

Step 3: Add Aromatics and Combine Everything

Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook with the veggies for another minute, until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Return the cooked chicken (and any juices that collected) to the skillet. Gently toss everything together so the flavors start to mingle and the dish gets warmed through.

Step 4: Finish with Lemon and Parsley

For a final boost of brightness, squeeze the juice from half a lemon over the skillet and stir to combine. This fresh citrus really makes the Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet taste alive and vibrant. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top just before serving for extra color and garden-fresh flavor.

How to Serve Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet

Garnishes

You can’t go wrong with a little sprinkle of fresh parsley over each serving—its bright green pop looks as good as it tastes. If you like, add a few extra lemon wedges on the side for an extra squeeze before digging in. A dusting of freshly grated Parmesan or a light sprinkle of chili flakes can kick things up for those who love a little extra oomph.

Side Dishes

This Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet pairs beautifully with wholesome grains like brown rice, quinoa, or farro. For a lower-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or alongside a big leafy green salad. Even a hunk of warm, crusty bread is fabulous for sopping up the light sauce at the bottom of the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning the skillet mixture into lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held meal or meal prepping it in individual containers with your favorite grain for grab-and-go lunches. For a dinner party, layer it atop polenta or mashed sweet potatoes for a comforting (yet still light) twist that highlights just how versatile this recipe can be.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extras? No problem! Let your Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet cool to room temperature, then pack in airtight containers. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it ideal for meal prepping lunches or speedy dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for up to two months, though the texture of some veggies (like squash or zucchini) might soften once thawed. To freeze, simply spoon portions into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, removing as much air as possible. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen it up. You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway, until everything is heated through and vibrant again.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more juiciness and flavor to your Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet. Just make sure to trim excess fat and cut them into bite-sized pieces before cooking.

What vegetables work best if I want to swap some out?

Feel free to get creative with what’s in season or already in your fridge. Snap peas, carrots, green beans, or mushrooms all work well. Just keep cooking times in mind—firmer veggies might need an extra minute or two in the skillet.

Is this dish good for meal prepping?

Yes! Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet can be made in advance, stored in meal prep containers, and even portioned with your favorite grain for quick, balanced lunches or dinners all week long.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Don’t overcook the chicken in the first step, and be sure to remove it from the pan as soon as it’s golden and cooked through. Returning it to the skillet at the end lets it finish gently as it warms back up with the veggies.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free and gluten-free?

Great news—the core recipe is already dairy-free and gluten-free! If you use no cheese garnish and avoid any wheat-containing side dishes, it’s a naturally friendly choice for many dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a new weeknight staple, this Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet is sure to win you over. It’s easy, colorful, and full of flavor—proof that wholesome eating can be both joyful and crave-worthy. Give it a go, and watch it become a regular request at your table!

Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet is a delicious one-pan meal that is quick and easy to make. Tender chicken pieces are cooked with a variety of colorful vegetables and flavorful seasonings, creating a wholesome and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

Vegetables:

1 red bell pepper (chopped)
1 zucchini (sliced)
1 yellow squash (sliced)
1 cup broccoli florets
1/2 small red onion (sliced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)

Additional:

Juice of 1/2 lemon
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Heat the Skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook Chicken: Season and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet.
Cook Vegetables: In the same skillet, cook bell pepper, zucchini, squash, broccoli, and red onion until tender-crisp. Add garlic.
Combine: Return chicken to the skillet, toss everything, add lemon juice, and stir to combine.
Serve: Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.