Healthy Chicken Vegetables Skillet

This chicken vegetable skillet has become my weeknight dinner hero when I need something nutritious yet satisfying in under 40 minutes. The colorful medley of fresh vegetables combined with perfectly seasoned chicken creates a complete meal that requires minimal cleanup.

I created this recipe during a particularly busy week when my family needed wholesome meals without the fuss. The first time I made it, my husband commented that restaurant stir-fries would never compare again.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts provide lean protein and take on flavors beautifully. Look for humanely raised chicken for best flavor
• Olive oil helps brown the chicken and vegetables while adding heart healthy fats
• Fresh vegetables like broccoli, zucchini and bell peppers offer vibrant colors and nutrients. Choose firm vegetables with bright colors
• Dried herbs including thyme and rosemary add earthy complexity that pairs perfectly with chicken
• Spices like paprika and chili powder bring warmth and subtle heat that elevates the dish
• Chicken broth creates a light sauce that ties everything together. Use homemade if possible for best flavor
• Fresh parsley brightens the finished dish with color and fresh flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the chicken

Cut chicken breasts into uniform 1 inch pieces to ensure even cooking. Season with salt and pepper and set aside. The uniform size is crucial for ensuring all pieces finish cooking at the same time.

Create the spice blend

Combine garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, rosemary, paprika and chili powder in a small bowl. This homemade blend provides layers of flavor without additives found in store bought mixes. Distribute half over the chicken and toss with olive oil to coat.

Cook the chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add the seasoned chicken pieces without crowding and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally. Look for golden brown edges and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F before removing to a plate.

Prepare the vegetables

Return the skillet to heat and add remaining oil. Begin with onions, cooking for 2 minutes until they start to soften and become translucent. This creates a flavor foundation. Add broccoli, zucchini and peppers, sprinkle with remaining spice mix, and cook for 4 to 6 minutes until vegetables are vibrant and crisp tender.

Create the sauce

Pour chicken broth into the hot skillet with vegetables and stir to deglaze, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This creates a light sauce that carries all the seasoning throughout the dish.

Combine and finish

Return the cooked chicken with any accumulated juices to the vegetable mixture. Stir gently to combine everything and warm through for about a minute. The chicken will absorb some of the light sauce and everything will meld together beautifully.

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The bell peppers are truly the secret stars of this dish in my opinion. Their natural sweetness intensifies when cooked just right, creating pockets of flavor that brighten each bite. My daughter used to pick them out until I shared they were nature's candy, and now she hunts for them first.

Make Ahead Options

This chicken and vegetable skillet is perfect for meal prep. You can chop all vegetables and chicken up to two days in advance and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The spice blend can be mixed even further ahead and kept in a small jar. When ready to cook, everything comes together quickly following the recipe steps.

Customize Your Skillet

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. You can substitute almost any vegetable depending on what you have available. Try adding mushrooms for earthiness, snap peas for sweetness, or cauliflower for heartiness. In summer, fresh corn kernels add delightful sweetness. For the protein, boneless chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay juicier if you prefer dark meat. Turkey breast or firm tofu can also be substituted for dietary preferences.

Serving Suggestions

This skillet meal stands perfectly on its own, but can be served multiple ways. Spoon it over cooked brown rice or quinoa if you want a more substantial meal. For lower carb options, cauliflower rice works beautifully. A sprinkle of toasted almonds or pine nuts adds wonderful texture contrast. For special occasions, a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese or a dollop of pesto on top takes this humble skillet to restaurant quality status.

Storage And Reheating

Leftovers store beautifully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight. When reheating, add a small splash of chicken broth or water to refresh the sauce. Microwave on medium power in one minute intervals, stirring between each, until just heated through. For best texture, avoid overheating which can make the chicken tough and vegetables mushy.

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Common Questions

→ Can I use different vegetables in this skillet meal?

Absolutely! This skillet meal is very adaptable. Good substitutes include cauliflower, green beans, asparagus, snap peas, or mushrooms. Just adjust cooking times slightly for harder or softer vegetables.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Cool the leftovers completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second intervals.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and often result in juicier chicken. Cut them into similar-sized pieces and follow the same cooking instructions.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as written this is a naturally gluten-free meal. Just ensure your chicken broth is labeled gluten-free if you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity.

→ What can I use instead of chicken broth?

As mentioned in the ingredients, you can substitute dry white wine, apple juice, or simply water. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile, with wine adding complexity, apple juice adding sweetness, and water being the most neutral option.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed freshly made, but you can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time. Cut the chicken and vegetables, mix the seasonings, and store everything separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook.