Chicken and Vegetables Skillet – Easy, Healthy One-Pan Dinner

The first time I made this chicken and vegetables skillet, it was a fridge-clean-out night. You know the kind—where you throw whatever you’ve got into one pan and hope for the best. But this one? It surprised me. Juicy chicken, tender-crisp veggies, and warm, herby spices all came together like they were meant to. Now it’s a go-to recipe in our house.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Vegetables Skillet

This chicken and vegetables skillet is everything a busy cook needs: quick (ready in about 30 minutes), healthy, and packed with flavor. It’s a one-pan wonder, which means fewer dishes and more time to relax after dinner. The chicken turns out juicy and golden, while the vegetables stay vibrant and slightly crisp. You can easily swap in what you have on hand, making it endlessly flexible. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week, this dish wins on all fronts—and it’s one the whole family actually agrees on.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken & Seasoning

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into 1-inch pieces
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon each: garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika
• ¼ to ½ teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)

Fresh Vegetables

• 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cups broccoli florets (bite-sized)
• 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
• 1 red bell pepper and 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks
• Optional: carrots, cauliflower, asparagus, or summer squash

Cooking Essentials

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth (or substitute white wine, apple juice, or water)
• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Optional: lemon juice, balsamic glaze, or your favorite sauce

How to Make Chicken and Vegetables in a Skillet

Step 1 – Prep & Cook the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into bite-size chunks and seasoning it with salt, pepper, half of your spice mix, and ½ tablespoon olive oil. In a large hot skillet (nonstick or cast-iron works best), heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sear the chicken for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm.

Step 2 – Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil. Add the sliced onion and cook for 2 minutes until just softened. Toss in the broccoli, zucchini, and bell peppers. Sprinkle with the rest of the seasoning and sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still have a bite.

Step 3 – Combine and Finish

Pour in the chicken broth (or your chosen liquid) to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those flavorful browned bits. Return the cooked chicken and its juices to the skillet, stir to combine, and let everything heat through for another minute. Turn off the heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Tips and Variations

• Protein swaps: Try shrimp, steak bites, pork loin, or even baked tofu.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or extra chili powder for more heat.
• Flavor boosters: Finish with a splash of lemon juice or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for brightness.
• Low-carb friendly: Stick with non-starchy veggies like broccoli, zucchini, and bell peppers.
• Want even more veggie goodness? Pair it with this garlic herb roasted potatoes, carrots, and zucchini or our easy sautéed zucchini side dish.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. This recipe also freezes well—just let it cool first, then freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, use a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to refresh the flavors. It’s also microwave-friendly for those quick weekday lunches.

For meal prep, portion it out with a side of rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice. If you love prepping ahead, check out these juicy baked chicken breasts for meal prep or weeknight dinners too.

FAQ – Common Questions About Chicken and Vegetables Skillet

Pinterest and Facebook are great spots to follow along for even more cozy meals and skillet-ready recipes!

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