This Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe is the ultimate answer to those busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome, flavorful, and colorful without spending hours in the kitchen. Tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and bright, zesty seasonings come together for a one-pan meal that never fails to leave everyone feeling satisfied. Plus, it’s as versatile as it is quick, letting you play with your favorite veggies and spices while staying healthy and gluten-free. The result? A dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to make, perfect for families or meal preppers alike.

Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe is here to play a starring role, not just as filler. With each one designed to add either rich flavor, juicy texture, or a pop of cheerful color, you’ll be amazed at how these simple components come together so memorably.

Chicken breasts: Lean protein that cooks up tender and juicy, absorbing all those flavorful spices.
Olive oil: Helps everything cook evenly while infusing a subtle richness that ties the whole dish together.
Red bell pepper: Brings natural sweetness and a beautiful splash of scarlet color.
Yellow bell pepper: Adds another layer of sweetness and sunshine-yellow vibrance to your skillet.
Zucchini: Offers mild flavor and a pleasing, tender crunch in every bite.
Red onion: Sweetens as it cooks, adding both color and just the right amount of sharpness.
Cherry tomatoes: Bursts of juicy tang that brighten up each forkful.
Garlic: Fresh and aromatic, it’s the secret to transforming ordinary chicken into something extra special.
Dried Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs that brings everything together with classic Mediterranean flair.
Paprika: Infuses gentle warmth and a lovely reddish hue to both chicken and veggies.
Salt and black pepper: Essential flavor-enhancers that let all the other tastes sing.
Lemon juice: Adds a finishing zip and a welcome burst of freshness.
Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle on top brings herbal brightness and an elegant finishing touch.

How to Make Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating half your olive oil in a roomy skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add your chicken pieces and generously season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Stir occasionally as they cook, letting the pieces develop a lovely golden crust on the outside—this takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Once the chicken is cooked through and irresistibly browned, transfer to a plate to keep the juices locked in.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add your remaining olive oil straight into the same skillet, followed quickly by minced garlic. Stir for just 30 seconds, until the garlic fills your kitchen with that mouthwatering aroma—be careful not to let it burn, as this could turn it bitter.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

Now bring in your sliced bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and those juicy cherry tomatoes. Toss everything together so the veggies get a good coating of the garlicky oil. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring every so often, until the vegetables are perfectly tender yet still slightly crisp. You’re aiming for that sweet spot where the veggies are brightly colored and their flavors are at their peak.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and give everything a thorough toss, making sure the chicken, spices, and vibrant veggies are mixed evenly. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon right over the top, gently stirring it in to give the entire dish a lift. If you’re feeling fancy, shower it all with fresh parsley just before serving for the kind of finish that looks and tastes special.

How to Serve Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

This Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe deserves a little flourish before serving. A handful of chopped fresh parsley goes a long way for color and a hint of herbal freshness. If you’re a fan of heat, try a scattering of red pepper flakes. And for extra zing, an extra squeeze of lemon right before eating is absolutely delicious.

Side Dishes

One of the beauties of this recipe is its versatility—it’s wonderful over a bed of fluffy rice, next to warm quinoa, or even tossed with your favorite pasta. You can also tuck it into wraps or serve it with a hunk of crusty bread to soak up every savory drop.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeding a crowd, turn the Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe into the centerpiece for a big family-style dinner. Serve straight out of the pan (it looks rustic and inviting!) or pile atop a platter peppered with fresh herbs. You could also stuff the mix into pita pockets, spoon onto baked potatoes, or use it as a filling for meal-prep bowls throughout the week.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers. The Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for next-day lunches or a quick dinner reheat.

Freezing

For longer storage, portion leftovers into freezer-safe bags or containers. The dish will keep deliciously for up to two months. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to protect the chicken and veggies from freezer burn.

Reheating

To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through, or toss everything back into a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth if it looks dry; the vegetables soften a bit, but the flavors remain vibrant.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring a richer flavor and stay especially juicy, making them a great substitute in this Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe. Just adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they’re fully cooked through.

Which other vegetables work well in this recipe?

You can really flex your culinary creativity here. Broccoli, asparagus, mushrooms, snap peas, or even baby spinach can be delicious additions or substitutions, depending on what’s in season and what you have on hand.

Is this Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This dish holds up beautifully in the fridge, so you can double the batch and enjoy quick, healthy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just store in single-serving containers for convenience.

How can I make the recipe spicier?

For more of a kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes with the seasonings, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side for those who love more heat.

What’s the best way to make this dairy-free and gluten-free?

The Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free as written—no tweaks needed! Just double-check any sides (like bread or pasta) if you’re looking to keep the entire meal free from gluten or dairy.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe captures everything I love about family-friendly, homemade meals: fresh, colorful ingredients, incredible flavor, and easy cleanup. If you try it once, I guarantee it’ll become a regular on your table—so gather up those veggies and give it a whirl tonight!

Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe is a delicious and healthy one-pan meal that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken pieces are sautéed with colorful bell peppers, zucchini, onion, and cherry tomatoes, then flavored with Italian seasoning and lemon juice for a burst of flavor. Easy to make and versatile, this dish is gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Vegetables:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 red bell pepper (sliced)
1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
1 zucchini (sliced into half-moons)
1 small red onion (sliced)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
3 cloves garlic (minced)

Seasonings and Garnish:

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Juice of ½ lemon
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: Add remaining olive oil to the skillet. Sauté garlic, then add bell peppers, zucchini, onion, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 5–6 minutes until tender.
Combine and Serve: Return chicken to the skillet. Add lemon juice, toss everything together. Garnish with parsley. Serve hot.