Name: Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
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 (or apple juice, or water); Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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A vibrant, nutrient-packed one-pan meal combining tender chicken pieces with colorful vegetables in a savory herb seasoning. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet is a game-changer for your meal rotation. It delivers a complete, balanced meal in just one pan, meaning less cleanup afterward. The combination of protein-rich chicken and fiber-filled vegetables creates a satisfying dish that's not only good for you but also bursting with flavor. The versatile recipe allows for easy customization based on your preferences or what's available in your fridge. Plus, it comes together in about 35 minutes, making it ideal for those evenings when you're short on time but don't want to compromise on nutrition.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Olive oil provides the base for sautéing both the chicken and vegetables, imparting a light, fruity flavor while offering heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts serve as the lean protein source in this dish, providing a neutral canvas for the herbs and spices while keeping the meal light and healthy.

Salt and pepper are essential for enhancing all the flavors in the dish, bringing out the natural taste of both the chicken and vegetables.

Garlic powder offers concentrated garlic flavor without the risk of burning that comes with fresh garlic, perfect for this quick-cooking meal.

Onion powder provides sweet, aromatic notes throughout the dish without adding moisture or texture that fresh onions would.

Dried thyme brings a subtle earthy, slightly minty flavor that pairs beautifully with chicken and roasted vegetables.

Dried rosemary adds a piney, aromatic quality that elevates the entire dish with its distinctive Mediterranean character.

Paprika contributes a gentle smokiness and beautiful color to both the chicken and vegetable mixture.

Chili powder introduces a mild heat that can be adjusted based on your spice preference, adding depth to the overall flavor profile.

Yellow onion forms an aromatic foundation, becoming sweet and mellow when cooked, creating a flavor base for the entire dish.

Broccoli florets add substantial nutrition with their high fiber and vitamin content, plus a pleasing texture that retains some bite after cooking.

Zucchini brings moisture, tenderness, and mild flavor that complements the more robust ingredients while adding beautiful color contrast.

Bell peppers (both yellow and red) contribute sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color, not to mention an impressive dose of vitamin C.

Low sodium chicken broth creates a light sauce that helps meld all the flavors together while adding moisture to the dish.

Fresh parsley finishes the dish with a bright, fresh note and appealing color contrast that makes the meal look as good as it tastes.

Directions

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.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner. Preparation takes approximately 15 minutes, while cooking requires about 20 minutes, bringing the total time to around 35 minutes. Each serving provides a balanced meal with protein from the chicken and a variety of nutrients from the colorful vegetables.

Variations

Mediterranean Version: Add olives, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese at the end. Replace thyme and rosemary with oregano and add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Asian-Inspired: Substitute the herb seasoning with ginger, garlic, and a splash of soy sauce. Add snap peas instead of broccoli and finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Spicy Southwest: Increase the chili powder and add cumin to the spice mix. Incorporate black beans and corn to the vegetable mix and top with avocado slices and cilantro instead of parsley.

Root Vegetable Medley: For a heartier fall or winter version, use sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips instead of the softer vegetables. These will require a few extra minutes of cooking time.

Herb Lover's Version: Use fresh herbs instead of dried (using three times the amount) and add extra herbs like sage, basil, or marjoram to enhance the aromatic profile.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often become even more pronounced after resting overnight, making this a great meal prep option.

Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. The texture of the vegetables might change slightly upon thawing, becoming a bit softer, but the flavor will remain delicious. Freeze in individual portions for convenient single servings.

Reheating on Stovetop: For best results, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of water or broth to restore moisture. Cover and stir occasionally until heated through (about 5-7 minutes).

Microwave Reheating: Place a portion in a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.

Meal Prep Tip: This recipe is excellent for weekly meal prep. Divide into individual containers and refrigerate for grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often provide more flavor and moisture. They may take a minute or two longer to cook through, so adjust accordingly. The higher fat content makes them more forgiving if slightly overcooked.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken pieces should be opaque throughout with no pink remaining. If you're uncertain, use an instant-read thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). For this recipe with small pieces, checking a few of the larger chunks should suffice.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas. For tofu, press it well before cooking to remove excess moisture, and consider marinating it in the spices beforehand. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian option.

What if I don't have all the vegetables listed?

This recipe is very flexible. Use whatever vegetables you have on hand—cauliflower, green beans, carrots, mushrooms, or snow peas all work wonderfully. Just adjust cooking times as needed, adding firmer vegetables earlier and quick-cooking ones later.

Can I prepare any parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can chop all vegetables and chicken up to a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. You can also mix the spice blend ahead of time and keep it in a sealed container until ready to use.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

The basic recipe is relatively low in carbohydrates, but to make it truly keto-friendly, you might want to reduce the onion amount and replace higher-carb vegetables like bell peppers with more keto-friendly options such as spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus.

How can I make this dish spicier?

For those who enjoy heat, increase the chili powder or add crushed red pepper flakes to taste. You could also include a diced jalapeño with the vegetables or serve with hot sauce on the side.

What can I serve with this skillet meal?

This is a complete meal on its own, but you could serve it over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a more substantial dinner. A simple green salad or crusty whole grain bread would also complement it nicely.

Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen vegetables work well in this recipe, especially in a pinch. There's no need to thaw them first—add them directly to the skillet, but be aware they may release more moisture during cooking. You might need to extend the cooking time slightly.

Why is my skillet meal turning out watery?

If your dish seems watery, it could be due to overcrowding the pan (causing vegetables to steam rather than sauté) or using vegetables with high water content. Make sure your skillet is large enough, cook in batches if necessary, and consider increasing the heat to help evaporate excess moisture.

Conclusion

The Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet represents home cooking at its finest—simple, nutritious, and adaptable to your family's preferences. This versatile one-pan wonder delivers vibrant flavors and balanced nutrition without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight family dinner, meal prepping for busy days ahead, or looking to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, this recipe delivers on all fronts. The combination of lean protein, colorful vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates a satisfying meal that feels both nourishing and indulgent. Master this basic formula, and you'll have endless possibilities for creating delicious, health-conscious meals with whatever ingredients you have available.