Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet
Colorful One-pot Chicken & Veggie Delight: a Healthy Feast
Hey there! I’m diving headfirst into the world of one-pot wonders, combining my love for simplicity in the kitchen with the zest of fresh ingredients. Today, we’re focusing on a vibrant mix of flavors with a colorful one-pot chicken & veggie delight. Imagine juicy chicken bites and crisp-tender veggies all mingling together in one large skillet, creating a feast that’s not only a treat for your taste buds but a wholesome meal that champions healthy eating. This isn’t just about cutting down on the dishes; it’s about packing in nutrition, enhancing flavors, and making every mealtime an adventure with minimal cleanup. It’s the perfect blend of convenience and health – a true testament to the magic of skillet cooking. Whether you’re a meal prep maven or in search of a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is poised to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Key Takeaways:
- One-pot meals offer a fantastic mix of simplicity and nutrition,
- Using fresh vegetables and quality chicken ensures a tasty and wholesome dish,
- This chicken and vegetable skillet is ideal for both quick dinners and meal prep.
The Magic of One-Pan Meals
There’s something genuinely magical about whipping up a colorful one-pot chicken and vegetable skillet after a long day. Picture this: It’s late, you’re tired, but the thought of a healthy chicken and fresh vegetables dinner that requires minimal cleanup is too good to pass up. That’s where the appeal of one-pan meals truly shines!
They save you precious time, simplify the cleanup process, and amazingly, they never fall short of preserving those robust flavors we all crave. Whether it’s juicy chicken thighs or crisp-tender green beans, every ingredient melds perfectly, creating a harmony of taste in every bite. For me, it’s a no-brainer on busy weeknights. The ease of tossing everything together on medium-high heat, and then witnessing the magic happen in a large skillet, is not just smart cooking; it’s a delightful way to nourish our bodies and souls.
Gathering Your Ingredients
Let’s dive into the heart of our kitchen adventure by lining up those vibrant, fresh ingredients that’ll bring our Colorful One-Pot Chicken & Veggie Delight to life. I always say, the brighter the veggie, the better! We’re talking plump, juicy boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into perfect bite-size pieces. For our garden treasures, let’s gather fresh vegetables like crisp green beans, sunny yellow squash, and rich, sweet red bell peppers.
Oh, and let’s not forget a dash of garlic powder and onion powder for that kiss of flavor. Now, whether you’re team chicken broth or prefer to keep things light with a splash of water, or maybe even get a bit fancy with white wine – it’s all up to you. And for my friends looking for that healthy twist, a little olive oil can go a long way, but feel free to swap in avocado oil if that’s more your style.
Preparation Steps
- Season the boneless skinless chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a dash of chili powder in a large bowl. Ensure every piece is evenly coated for that perfect savory kick.
- Drizzle a little olive oil over the chicken, tossing them gently in the bowl. This not only keeps the chicken moist but also helps the seasonings cling to every inch.
- Heat your large skillet over medium-high heat, and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Wait for it to shimmer, signaling it’s hot enough for the magic to begin.
- Carefully lay the chicken pieces in a single layer in the skillet. Let them sizzle undisturbed for about 5-7 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. This step is crucial for locking in flavors.
- Flip the chicken thighs (or breasts if that’s what you’re using) to ensure they’re cooked evenly on both sides. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, adjusting the heat if necessary to avoid burning.
Vegetable Cooking Guide
- Start with the firmer veggies – Kick things off by tossing those colorful red bell peppers and green beans into your skillet over medium-high heat. They take a tad longer to reach that perfect blend of tender and crisp, a foundation you’ll thank me for later.
- Add the softer stars – After giving those firmer friends a good 5-7 minutes head start, it’s time to introduce the zucchini and yellow squash. These guys cook up quicker, so dropping them in next ensures everything hits that just-right texture together.
- Finishing touches – Right when you sense everything’s cozy and crisp-tender, splash in a little chicken broth. It deglazes the pan, picking up all those browned bits (trust me, that’s where a ton of flavor lives). Let it simmer for a brief minute, allowing the veggies to soak up all that savory goodness.
Tools For This Recipe
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → Bringing It All Together
Now, let’s bring everything together for our colorful one-pot chicken & veggie delight. After our chicken pieces have beautifully browned and our veggies have achieved that perfect crisp-tender texture, it’s time to reunite them in the skillet. Gently fold the cooked chicken bites back into the pan, letting the mix of flavors from the skillet meal mingle. At this point, I like to drizzle a little chicken broth—or if you’re feeling adventurous, a splash of balsamic vinegar—over the whole dish to add an extra layer of flavor. It’s all about making those ingredients sing together in harmony.
And the only thing left to do? Give it all a good stir, making sure the chicken and veggies are cozily combined. Don’t shy away from diving in with a spoon to taste; it’s crucial to adjust the seasoning here, a pinch of salt, maybe a little more garlic powder, or cajun seasoning to spice things up. Remember, this step is what makes the meal uniquely yours. Serve it steaming hot, and just like that, you’ve got yourself a healthy weeknight dinner that’s all set to impress.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
Once you’ve plated this colorful one-pot chicken and veggies, the real fun begins with the serving suggestions and variations. Trust me, it’s like adding a little sparkle to your dish! Whether you’re team grain or ride-or-die low-carb, there’s something for everyone. Scoop it over a fluffy bed of white rice or swap in cauliflower rice for a lighter twist.
Now, let’s talk customization. Feel like going Mediterranean? Toss in some cherry tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Or, maybe you want a hint of the Middle East – sprinkle in some cajun seasoning and a squeeze of lemon juice to bring those flavors home. The sky’s the limit, so let your garden and spice rack inspire you. This is your canvas for a meal that’s sure to please the whole family, next time and every time.
Tips for Leftovers and Meal Prep
After a delightful dinner with our Colorful One-Pot Chicken & Veggie Delight, you might find yourself with a bit of leftovers, and trust me, they’re a treasure for the next day! The trick to keeping those leftovers tasting just as fresh and flavorful is to scoop them into an airtight container as soon as they’ve cooled down. This little step can make all the difference. And when you’re ready to indulge again, a gentle reheat brings everything back to life.
As for meal prep, consider this recipe your canvas for the week ahead. On those busy evenings when the thought of cooking from scratch feels like a mountain too high, having precooked chicken bites and crisp-tender veggies means you’ve already conquered the peak. Whether it’s tossing them over some steamed white rice or alongside a simple cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, you’re not just saving time; you’re ensuring a nutritious meal is always within reach. The beauty of this is you create a meal that’s equally as satisfying the next day, keeping your weekly meal rotation both exciting and effortless.
And That’s a Wrap: Delicious, Nutritious, and Quick!
And just like that, we’ve whipped up a delicious, nutritious, and quick meal that’s bound to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation. Our journey through creating this vibrant Colorful One-Pot Chicken & Veggie Delight proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be a chore. It’s a great base for a wholesome dinner that keeps the whole family coming back for seconds. With every bite packed with flavors from fresh herbs, crisp-tender veggies, and juicy chicken, it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create a feast for the senses.
I want to encourage you to not just follow this recipe to the letter but to make it your own. Swap in cherry tomatoes for bell peppers, or maybe add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a touch of indulgence. Meal prep it for the week ahead, or whip it up in 30 minutes for a last-minute dinner. The beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility and the minimal cleanup required afterward. So, here’s to creating a dish that’s as colorful and delightful as it is healthy and satisfying. Let this skillet chicken recipe be a canvas for your culinary creativity!
Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet
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-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 you can also use dry white wine, apple juice, or water
- chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces, season with salt and pepper, and set it aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, paprika, and chili powder. Sprinkle half of the seasoning mix over the chicken.
- Drizzle ½ tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken, tossing it to coat evenly.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and fully cooked.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate, cover, and set aside.
- Return the skillet to the stove and heat the remaining olive oil. Add the onions and cook for 2 minutes, then add the broccoli, zucchini, and peppers. If needed, add a little more oil. Season with the rest of the spice mix, along with some salt and pepper, and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
- Return the cooked chicken and its juices to the skillet, stir everything together, and cook for another minute.
- Remove from heat, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
Delish!
I made this tonight and it’s so good! Very fresh and flavorful! I served it with white rice as a filling for whole wheat tortillas. It fits in beautifully with our healthier eating meal plan. Will definitely make again!
Made this for dinner tonight. It was really good but I made the mistake of only reading the upper half of this page and not the actual directions/ingredients so I missed a few seasons. Next time I will add the other seasonings and I’m sure it will be even better!
I just made this ! Very good!
I also am curious, I’m doing a calorie deficit diet. How would I track how many calories are in a serving and what would be a normal serving? Thank you!
Hey there! I am working on adding the nutritional facts to each of my recipes so please check back to see exactly what the calories are in each serving.
I made this for my family and it was a hit! I’ll definitely be making this again.
Great recipe however, just to read the ingredients and the instructions took 40 minutes because of the ads. Even leaving this comment was a chore in itself it took me about 15 minutes to get pass the ads.😣
My family loved this!
I swapped thyme and rosemary for herbs de province. The vibrant colors and all the flavors bursting made this dish over the moon! I also added thick sliced carrots because they looked lonely in the fridge.. Deffinitely adding this to the rotation. 10/10. Thank you so much for this recipe.!!!!
This was amazing!! It has been on my meal plan for three weeks and I finally got around to making it! It was such an easy recipe and everyone in my family liked it. It will definitely be added into the rotation!!
Made it tonight and it was really good! Thank you for the recipe.
I made this with zucchini, summer squash and red bell pepper, no onion. I also used Apple juice since I was out of broth. Served it over riced cauliflower and drizzled a little of the juice over it. Oh my goodness! What a wonderful dinner! Thank you for sharing this, it is definitely going to be a hit this summer after hitting the farmer’s market!