INTRODUCTION
This Quick & Healthy Chicken Skillet is a fast meal you can make any night. It uses simple ingredients and cooks in one pan. The dish gives you protein and many vegetables. You get bright colors, good flavors, and a meal ready in about 25 minutes. If you like simple weeknight dinners, this skillet is a great pick. For other easy skillet ideas, try the Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet for cozy nights to see how a one-pan meal can change a busy night into a calm one: Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet for cozy nights.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe because it cooks fast and stays light. The chicken is lean and the vegetables add vitamins and fiber. The herbs give simple but fresh flavor. It has few steps, so it is easy for a beginner cook. You can change vegetables or spices to fit what you like. If you like bold sauces, you can compare this simple skillet to richer dishes like a better-than-takeout butter chicken to learn how different meals can be quick and full of flavor: Better-than-takeout butter chicken.
HOW TO MAKE Quick & Healthy Chicken Skillet
This section shows how to cook the meal step by step. You will brown the chicken, cook the vegetables in the same pan, and then serve. Keep the pan hot and use medium heat to avoid burning. Use a simple plate to rest the chicken so it stays juicy. You can follow the steps below and have a warm plate in about thirty minutes. For more ideas on quick stovetop chicken, you can look at a different quick butter chicken method to compare techniques and timing: homemade butter chicken techniques.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large skillet with lid or wide frying pan
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Plate to rest the cooked chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need :
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 cup bell peppers, chopped, 1 cup zucchini, sliced, 1 cup broccoli florets, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, Salt and pepper to taste
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
- In the same skillet, add the garlic and vegetables. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender.
- Slice the chicken and serve it on top of the sautéed vegetables.
HOW TO SERVE Quick & Healthy Chicken Skillet
Serve the sliced chicken over the warm vegetables right from the skillet. You can add a squeeze of lemon juice or a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for brightness. A simple side of brown rice or quinoa makes the meal more filling. Keep the portions balanced with one chicken breast per person and a generous pile of vegetables. If you like a softer texture, serve the vegetables over rice and place the chicken on top. For a different serving idea, you can pair this dish with a simple Mexican side or turn the leftovers into a soft taco like the Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas idea shows how chicken can move from skillet to sauce and back to a new meal: Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas inspiration.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Quick & Healthy Chicken Skillet
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until hot. If you want to freeze, slice the chicken and place it with the vegetables in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating slowly on the stove. Keep the sauce or a little olive oil with the chicken and vegetables to stop them from drying out when you reheat.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Serve over cooked brown rice for more fiber.
- Spoon on top of quinoa for a nutty flavor.
- Add a side salad with a light vinaigrette to increase greens.
- Top the chicken with a small dollop of plain Greek yogurt or a light tzatziki for creaminess.
- Add a wedge of lemon or lime for fresh taste.
VARIATIONS
- Swap vegetables: Use green beans, asparagus, or spinach instead of zucchini or broccoli.
- Add spice: Stir in 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic for heat.
- Make it Mediterranean: Add olives, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta at the end.
- Add sauce: Stir in a few tablespoons of low-sodium chicken broth or tomato sauce to make a light pan sauce.
- Swap chicken: Use thin pork cutlets or turkey breast slices if you want a different protein.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A: Yes. Add frozen vegetables to the hot skillet and cook a few minutes longer until they are tender. Avoid too much extra liquid.
Q: How do I know the chicken is cooked through?
A: Cut into the thickest part. The meat should be white with no pink. Or use a meat thermometer: it should read 165°F (74°C).
Q: Can I use skin-on chicken?
A: You can, but cooking time will change. Brown skin side first and cook until the meat reaches 165°F. You may need to finish in a low oven.
Q: Is this meal low in calories?
A: It is fairly low in calories because it uses lean chicken and many vegetables. Use less oil if you want a lower calorie dish.
Q: Can I make this spicy for kids who like heat?
A: Yes. Add a small pinch of paprika or a little hot sauce. Offer plain chicken to kids first and sauce on the side.
Q: What if my chicken sticks to the pan?
A: Make sure the oil is hot before you add the chicken and avoid moving it too soon. A hot pan forms a crust that helps release the meat.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Quick & Healthy Chicken Skillet
- Marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours in the fridge with the oil, herbs, and a little lemon juice. This saves time when cooking.
- Chop the vegetables up to one day ahead and store them in a sealed container in the fridge.
- Cook the rice or quinoa ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat and serve with the skillet for a quick plate.
- If you want to speed dinner even more, fully cook the chicken and vegetables, cool them, and store them in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet or microwave when you are ready to eat.
Conclusion
This Quick & Healthy Chicken Skillet gives you a fast, balanced meal with simple steps and clean flavors. It is easy to change the vegetables or herbs to match what you have at home. If you want more one-pan chicken ideas or similar family-friendly recipes, see this Chicken Vegetables Skillet Recipe for a close match that uses simple pantry ingredients: Chicken Vegetables Skillet Recipe. For a creamier take on a quick skillet dinner with Italian flavors, try this Healthy Creamy Italian Chicken Skillet – Family Food on the Table for another easy weeknight option: Healthy Creamy Italian Chicken Skillet – Family Food on the Table.
Quick & Healthy Chicken Skillet
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
- In the same skillet, add the garlic and vegetables. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender.
- Slice the chicken and serve it on top of the sautéed vegetables.