A vibrant, nutritious one-pan meal that combines tender chicken strips with colorful vegetables for a quick and satisfying dinner option. This simple skillet dinner is packed with protein and vegetables, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chicken and vegetable skillet is the ultimate weeknight savior. Ready in just 25 minutes, it delivers a balanced meal with minimal cleanup. The combination of lean protein and fresh vegetables creates a nutritionally complete dish that’s both satisfying and light. You’ll appreciate how versatile it is—easily customizable with whatever vegetables you have on hand. The simple seasonings enhance the natural flavors without overwhelming them, making this a family-friendly option that even picky eaters can enjoy. Plus, it’s naturally low-carb and gluten-free, fitting into many dietary preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts provide lean protein and serve as the hearty foundation of this skillet meal. They cook quickly when cut into strips and absorb the flavors of the seasonings beautifully. You can substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option if preferred.
Broccoli florets add vibrant color, texture, and a nutritional boost with their fiber and vitamin content. They maintain a pleasant crunch even after cooking, creating a satisfying contrast to the tender chicken.
Bell peppers contribute sweet, bright flavor and a gorgeous pop of color. Their natural sugars caramelize slightly during cooking, adding depth to the overall dish. Any color works well here, so use what you have or prefer.
Zucchini adds moisture and a mild flavor that complements the other ingredients without overwhelming them. It cooks quickly and absorbs the seasonings nicely, making it perfect for quick skillet meals.
Olive oil provides a heart-healthy cooking base that adds a subtle richness to the dish. Its higher smoke point makes it suitable for the medium-heat cooking method used in this recipe.
Garlic infuses the entire dish with aromatic flavor that enhances both the chicken and vegetables. Fresh is best, but pre-minced garlic works in a pinch if you’re short on time.
Dried oregano adds a Mediterranean flair that works wonderfully with both the chicken and vegetables. Its earthy notes hold up well to the cooking process and permeate the ingredients.
Paprika brings a gentle smoky quality and beautiful color to the dish. Regular paprika works well, but smoked paprika can add an extra dimension of flavor if you have it available.
Salt and pepper are the fundamental seasonings that bring all the flavors together and enhance the natural taste of each ingredient. Season to your preference, tasting as you go.
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken strips and cook for 5-6 minutes, until golden brown.
- Add garlic, broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini to the skillet.
- Season with oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields 4 servings, making it perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for an individual. Each serving contains approximately 280 calories, offering a balanced, nutritious meal option. The total preparation time is just 25 minutes—10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking—making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights when time is limited but you still want a healthy, home-cooked meal.
Variations
Mediterranean Style: Add some kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice at the end of cooking for a Greek-inspired twist.
Spicy Version: Incorporate red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when you add the garlic for a dish with some heat. Finish with a sprinkle of cayenne for extra spice lovers.
Asian Fusion: Replace the oregano and paprika with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of ginger, and finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and some sesame seeds.
Herb Garden: Add fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme in the last minute of cooking for a bright, fresh flavor profile.
Creamy Option: Stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking for a richer sauce that coats the chicken and vegetables.
Storage/Reheating
This chicken and vegetable skillet stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. After cooling completely, store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions for up to 3 months, though the vegetables may become slightly softer upon thawing.
To reheat refrigerated portions, microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through, or warm in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first for best results.
For optimal freshness, consider storing the chicken and vegetables separately if you plan to meal prep, then combine them when reheating to prevent the vegetables from becoming too soft.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?
Yes, frozen vegetables work well in this recipe. There’s no need to thaw them first—just add them directly to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure they’re thoroughly heated and any excess moisture evaporates.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken strips should be opaque throughout with no pink color visible. If you’re uncertain, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). The smaller size of the strips helps them cook quickly and evenly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can prep all the ingredients in advance or cook the entire dish and reheat portions as needed for quick meals throughout the week.
What can I serve with this chicken and vegetable skillet?
While this dish is complete on its own, you can serve it over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a heartier meal. It also pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread to round out the meal.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and fits well into a ketogenic diet plan. The primary ingredients—chicken and non-starchy vegetables—are keto staples, and the recipe contains minimal added carbs.
Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be a delicious alternative that offers more flavor and moisture. They may take 1-2 minutes longer to cook, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
How can I add more flavor to this dish?
Try marinating the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs and spices. You can also add a splash of white wine when cooking the vegetables, or finish the dish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
What’s the best type of skillet to use?
A large cast-iron or stainless steel skillet works best for this recipe. These materials create a nice sear on the chicken and conduct heat evenly. Non-stick skillets are also acceptable but may not produce the same level of caramelization.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! This recipe is very versatile—try adding mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, spinach, asparagus, or snap peas. Just be mindful of different cooking times and add quicker-cooking vegetables later in the process.
How do I prevent the vegetables from becoming too soft?
For crisp-tender vegetables, add them after the chicken has nearly finished cooking and be careful not to overcook. You can also blanch heartier vegetables like broccoli briefly before adding them to the skillet to ensure they cook evenly without becoming mushy.
Conclusion
This Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet represents home cooking at its finest—simple, nutritious, and delicious. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can create a balanced meal that satisfies both your hunger and your nutritional needs. The versatility of this dish means you can adapt it to suit your taste preferences and what you have available in your kitchen, making it a reliable recipe to return to again and again. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the days ahead, this skillet recipe delivers on flavor, nutrition, and convenience. Master this basic version, then have fun experimenting with the variations to keep your meals exciting and fresh.
Print
Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet
A healthy and easy chicken and vegetables skillet dish packed with flavors and nutrients, perfect for a quick meal.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken strips and cook for 5-6 minutes, until golden brown.
- Add garlic, broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini to the skillet.
- Season with oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through before serving.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
- Add other vegetables of your choice for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Healthy
- Diet: Low Calorie
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: Not specified
- Sodium: Not specified
- Fat: Not specified
- Saturated Fat: Not specified
- Unsaturated Fat: Not specified
- Trans Fat: Not specified
- Carbohydrates: Not specified
- Fiber: Not specified
- Protein: Not specified
- Cholesterol: Not specified
