Sizzling Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe for Family Dinners

Every busy home cook knows a quick chicken and vegetables skillet can rescue dinnertime from monotony.

Weeknight meals demand smart solutions that taste incredible.

Colorful bell peppers, tender chicken pieces, and vibrant seasonings create a delightful one-pan wonder that saves time without sacrificing flavor.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together in this simple, satisfying dish.

Fresh herbs and perfectly seared protein make magic happen with minimal effort.

Crisp vegetables complement succulent chicken, promising a meal that feels like a restaurant experience right at your table.

Let’s transform ordinary ingredients into something spectacular you’ll want to make again and again.

Chicken Veggie Skillet for One-Pan Meals

• This one-pan wonder delivers a delicious meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families rushing between work, school, and activities.
• Combining lean protein from chicken with colorful vegetables creates a balanced, wholesome dish that satisfies taste buds and nutritional needs without complicated cooking techniques.
• Using a single skillet means less washing up, making this recipe a dream for anyone who dreads spending time scrubbing multiple pots and pans after cooking.
• Home cooks can easily swap vegetables or adjust seasonings to match family preferences, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their meal without extra effort.

Everything You’ll Need for This Savory Combo

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender meat that serves as the main protein source, best when fresh and boneless.

• Garlic Powder: Adds deep, savory flavor without fresh garlic's texture.
• Smoked Paprika: Provides a smoky, slightly sweet warmth to the dish.
• Dried Thyme: Herbal and earthy seasoning that complements chicken perfectly.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps season the chicken.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and aromatic depth to the seasoning blend.

• Paper Towels: Used for drying chicken to ensure proper seasoning adherence and better browning.

How to Cook Chicken and Veggies Together

Seasoning and Preparing Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels to ensure a perfect sear and crisp exterior. Remove any excess moisture that could prevent browning.

Create a Flavorful Spice Blend

• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Dried thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Thoroughly massage the spice mixture onto both sides of the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is evenly and generously coated with the aromatic seasoning.

Heating the Cooking Surface

Select a large skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Allow the pan to warm up completely before adding any oil or ingredients.

Searing the Chicken

Drizzle olive oil into the hot skillet, creating a thin, even layer that will help prevent sticking and promote a golden-brown crust.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet, laying them away from you to avoid oil splatter.

Cook the chicken for several minutes on each side until a beautiful golden-brown color develops and the internal temperature reaches safe cooking levels.

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a clean plate, keeping it warm while preparing additional ingredients.

Tips for Juicy Chicken and Crisp Veggies

• Dry for Crispiness: Pat chicken breasts thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a perfect golden-brown sear and crispy exterior.
• Maximize Flavor Depth: Rub seasonings generously and evenly on both sides of chicken, pressing gently to help spices adhere and infuse deep, rich flavors.
• Choose Fresh Herbs: Replace dried thyme with fresh thyme sprigs for a more vibrant, aromatic taste that elevates the overall dish's complexity.
• Control Cooking Temperature: Use medium-high heat to achieve a beautiful golden crust without burning the chicken or spices.
• Customize Spice Blend: Experiment with additional spices like cumin or oregano to personalize the seasoning mix and match your taste preferences.

How to Save Leftovers Without Losing Flavor

• Store leftover chicken and vegetables in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping food fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm skillet over medium-low heat, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying, and gently heat chicken for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Place portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, checking temperature between bursts.
• Drizzle a little olive oil or broth before reheating to maintain moisture and preserve the chicken's tender texture.

Great Pairings for One-Pan Dinners

• The herb-infused chicken skillet pairs beautifully with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc that complements the dish's smoky paprika and thyme notes, cutting through the richness with its bright, zesty acidity.
• Serve alongside crusty, oven-toasted garlic bread to soak up the flavorful skillet juices, creating a perfect textural contrast and enhancing the meal's aromatic profile.
• Create a light, peppery arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the skillet's robust flavors, adding a fresh, crisp element to the hearty chicken dish.
• A light-bodied Pinot Noir provides a smooth, fruit-forward red wine option that harmonizes with the seasoned chicken without overpowering its delicate herbs and spices.

Skillet Variations to Change It Up

• Low-Carb Veggie Swap: Replace rice or pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb alternative that keeps the dish nutritious and satisfying.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spices and ensure all seasoning ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives like tempeh, maintaining the same spice blend and cooking technique for a meat-free version.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Skip any potential dairy components and use olive oil or coconut oil instead of butter to create a completely dairy-free skillet meal that's still packed with flavor.

Chicken Skillet Questions? Answered

• What if my chicken breasts are different sizes?

Choose chicken breasts that are similar in size and thickness. If they’re uneven, use a meat mallet to gently pound them to an equal thickness, which helps ensure even cooking.

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh. Use about 1/3 of the amount called for in the recipe since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, use 1 teaspoon dried thyme.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and prevents overcooking.

• What type of skillet works best for this recipe?

A cast-iron or stainless steel skillet works great for this recipe. These types of skillets provide even heat distribution and help create a nice golden-brown sear on the chicken.

Chicken And Vegetables Skillet Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Culinary magic unfolds with this hearty chicken and vegetables skillet, blending tender proteins and garden-fresh produce in one delightful pan. Quick, nutritious ingredients come together seamlessly, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds or 680 grams)

Vegetables:

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup zucchini, sliced into half-moons
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for freshness)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly blot chicken breasts using paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring optimal seasoning adherence.
2. Create a robust spice blend by combining garlic powder, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl.
3. Meticulously massage the aromatic seasoning mixture across both surfaces of the chicken breasts, coating evenly and thoroughly.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature, allowing the cooking surface to become uniformly hot.
5. Drizzle olive oil into the skillet, swirling to create an even, glistening layer that prevents chicken from sticking.
6. Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet, allowing them to sear and develop a golden-brown crust.
7. Cook chicken for approximately 5-6 minutes on each side, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
8. Remove chicken from skillet and transfer to a clean plate, covering loosely with aluminum foil to retain warmth.
9. In the same skillet, add sliced bell peppers, zucchini, and onions, utilizing residual oils and seasonings.
10. Sauté vegetables until they become tender-crisp, stirring occasionally to promote even cooking.
11. Reintroduce chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the colorful, aromatic vegetables.
12. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a vibrant, herbaceous finish before serving hot.

Notes

• Pat chicken completely dry to ensure crispy exterior and better seasoning adherence, preventing excess moisture during cooking.
• Customize spice blend by swapping thyme with rosemary or oregano for varied flavor profiles that complement different taste preferences.
• Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for sautéing to enhance overall dish richness and provide heart-healthy cooking method.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform thickness to guarantee even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 325
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 41 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg