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