Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Skillet Meal

This Healthy Seasoned Chicken and Vegetable Skillet isn’t just another dinner; it’s a smart solution for anyone looking to enjoy delicious, homemade food without spending hours in the kitchen. What makes it so special? First, its simplicity. All the magic happens in one pan, drastically cutting down on cleanup time. Second, it’s packed with nutrients. Lean protein from the chicken, combined with a rainbow of fresh vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli, provides essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Furthermore, the thoughtful blend of spices – paprika, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, chili powder, salt, and pepper – creates a deep, satisfying flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds. This isn’t a bland “diet” meal; it’s a truly enjoyable dish that happens to be incredibly good for you. It’s also remarkably versatile, allowing you to easily swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice levels to suit your preferences. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up a last-minute dinner, this skillet is designed for convenience and exceptional taste.

Ingredients

• 2 tbs olive oil
• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried rosemary
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• ¼ tsp chili powder
• 1 white onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into larger chunks
• 1 large zucchini, cut into half moons
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• ¼ cup chicken broth

For best results, use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Cubing the chicken ensures even cooking, and cutting the vegetables into slightly larger chunks prevents them from becoming too soft during cooking, maintaining a pleasant texture.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the Chicken

   Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the cubed chicken breast to the pan. Sprinkle generously with the prepared seasonings: paprika, dried rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Stir to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Cook the chicken for approximately four minutes on each side, turning occasionally, until it’s beautifully golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a separate clean plate and set it aside for later.

2. Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

   Using the same skillet – without cleaning it, as the leftover flavorful bits (fond) will add depth – add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Introduce all the prepared vegetables: the sliced white onion, red bell pepper chunks, zucchini half-moons, and fresh broccoli florets. Season the vegetables lightly with an additional dash of salt and pepper to taste. Sauté the vegetables for about two minutes, allowing them to soften slightly. Next, pour in the ¼ cup of chicken broth. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan; this process, known as deglazing, infuses the vegetables with even more savory flavor. Continue to cook for an additional six minutes, or until the vegetables reach your desired level of tenderness – whether you prefer them tender-crisp or softer.

3. Step 3: Combine and Serve

   Finally, return the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir everything together gently, allowing the chicken to reheat and meld with the flavors of the vegetables. Let it heat through for a minute or two. This healthy and delicious one-pan meal is now ready to enjoy! Serve it as is for a low-carb option, or pair it with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, quinoa, or even pasta for a more substantial meal.

Serving Suggestions & Tips for Success

This versatile skillet meal can be customized to fit any taste or dietary preference. For a truly complete meal, consider serving it alongside a bed of brown rice, wild rice, or quinoa. If you’re aiming for a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice or a simple side salad would be excellent choices. You can also get creative with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for a bright, zesty finish, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro for added freshness and color.

Tips for a Perfect Skillet:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure your skillet is large enough. If too crowded, the ingredients will steam instead of sear, resulting in less flavor and texture. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
• Vegetable Variety: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables. Green beans, asparagus, mushrooms, or even sweet potatoes (cut small for quicker cooking) would work wonderfully.
• Spice Adjustment: The seasoning blend is a suggestion. Adjust the quantities of each spice to your liking. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat!
• Meal Prep Friendly: This dish reheats beautifully, making it an excellent candidate for weekly meal prep. Portion it into containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Recipe Video

Watch Julia Pacheco demonstrate this and other fantastic one-pot meal ideas in her video for even more inspiration!

Nutrition Information

Understanding the nutritional breakdown of your meals can help you maintain a balanced diet. This healthy chicken and vegetable skillet is a great source of lean protein, dietary fiber, and essential vitamins, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious eaters.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.

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