Sizzling Chicken Zucchini Delight

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1 small red onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh basil or parsley for garnish When I cook Chicken Zucchini Skillet, I focus on fresh ingredients. The chicken gives protein and flavor. I like using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook fast and stay juicy. Zucchini is my favorite vegetable in this dish. It adds a nice crunch and bright color. I slice the zucchini into half-moons. This shape lets them cook evenly. I also add bell pepper and red onion. They bring more color and taste to the skillet. The bell pepper can be any color. I usually choose red or yellow for sweetness. Garlic is a must in my kitchen. It adds a warm aroma and depth to the dish. I always mince it so the flavor spreads well. For seasonings, I use dried oregano and smoked paprika. Oregano gives a classic taste, while smoked paprika adds warmth. I season with salt and pepper for balance. Finally, I drizzle olive oil in the skillet. It helps cook the chicken and veggies just right. When everything is done, I love to garnish with fresh basil or parsley. It makes the dish look beautiful and adds freshness. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Heating the Oil: Start by taking a large skillet. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. - Cooking the Chicken: Now, add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chicken turns brown and is fully cooked. - Sautéing the Vegetables: After the chicken is done, move it to a plate. Keep it warm by covering it. In the same skillet, add 1 more tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is see-through. - Incorporating Garlic: Next, add the sliced zucchini and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes. You want the veggies to be soft but still crunchy. Then, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for one more minute, just until you smell the garlic. - Combining Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Mix everything well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors blend nicely. Check if you need more seasoning. - Serving Suggestions: Once heated through, take the skillet off the heat. Garnish your dish with fresh basil or parsley for a lovely touch. Enjoy your meal! Selecting Quality Chicken Choose fresh, high-quality chicken. Look for meat that is pink and firm. Avoid any chicken with a strange smell. Organic options often taste better and are more healthy. Avoiding Overcooking Cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink inside. Use a meat thermometer if you have one. The internal temperature should be 165°F. Overcooking makes chicken dry and tough. Stir it often to cook evenly. Maintaining Vegetable Crispness Don’t overcook your veggies. Cook them until they are tender but still bright. This gives your dish a nice crunch. Add them to the pan after the chicken is done. Flavor Enhancements Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a pop of flavor. You can also add a splash of lemon juice. This brightens up the dish and makes it taste fresh. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh chicken and seasonal vegetables for the best flavor and texture in your dish. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken and vegetables in batches if necessary to ensure they sear properly instead of steaming. Customize Your Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences; adding a pinch of cayenne can give it a nice kick! Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh off the stove while the chicken is juicy and the vegetables are crisp. {{image_2}} You can easily swap chicken for other proteins. Try diced turkey or shrimp. Both options cook quickly and add great taste. For a vegetarian choice, use firm tofu or chickpeas. Just sauté them until they are golden brown. Adjust cook times as needed for each protein type. Feel free to change the veggies in this dish. Broccoli, asparagus, or spinach work well. You can also add carrots for a sweet crunch. Mix and match to suit your taste. Just keep the cooking times in mind. Cook harder veggies longer, while softer ones need less time. This dish is naturally gluten-free with the right ingredients. Make sure your seasonings and oils are free from gluten. Most spices are safe, but check labels if unsure. Enjoy this meal without worry, even if you avoid gluten. To make this dish lower in carbs, simply skip or reduce the amount of bell pepper. Zucchini is a great low-carb veggie, so keep it in. You can also add more leafy greens like spinach or kale for extra nutrients. This keeps your meal filling without the extra carbs. To keep your chicken zucchini skillet fresh, let it cool first. Place the dish in an airtight container. This helps retain moisture and flavor. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you store leftovers, separate the chicken and veggies if you can. This keeps them at their best. When ready to eat, you can reheat your skillet meal. The best way is on the stove. Place it in a skillet over medium heat. Stir it often to warm evenly. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. You can also use a microwave if you're short on time. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check that it's hot all the way through before serving. How long does it take to cook chicken in a skillet? It takes about 5 to 7 minutes to cook chicken in a skillet. Start with medium heat. The chicken should be browned and cooked through before you remove it. Always check that the inside is no longer pink. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken and veggies, then store them in the fridge. Reheat when you are ready to eat. This makes it easy for busy days. What other vegetables can I use in this recipe? You can use many other veggies in this recipe. Consider adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Each will add its own flavor and color. Be sure to keep the cooking time in mind. Some veggies cook faster than others. You now understand how to make a tasty chicken zucchini skillet. We covered the main ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking tips. You learned how to add flavor with seasonings and variations for different diets. Storing and reheating tips help keep your dish fresh. Cooking doesn't have to be hard. With these steps, you can make a great meal. Enjoy creating and sharing this dish with friends and family!$

Sizzling Chicken Zucchini Delight

A flavorful dish featuring sautéed chicken and fresh vegetables.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
1 piece bell pepper (any color), diced
1 small red onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
for garnish fresh basil or parsley

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate and cover to keep warm. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
Toss in the sliced zucchini and diced bell pepper. Continue to cook for another 5-6 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Mix well, and cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine flavors. Adjust seasonings if needed.
Once everything is heated through, remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Notes

Serve with fresh herbs for added flavor.

Keyword chicken, healthy, sautéed, zucchini