Looking for a fast, flavorful, and family-friendly meal that doesn’t require a culinary degree or a mountain of dishes? This Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet is our go-to weeknight lifesaver. Packed with protein, loaded with vibrant veggies, and bursting with spice-kissed flavor, it’s everything a quick dinner should be.
You’ll love how easy this one-pan wonder is to toss together—and your dishwasher will thank you later. If you’re a fan of skillet meals, you should also try our other favorites like Bruschetta Chicken Pasta or Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Vegetables Skillet
Fast and Easy Dinner Solution
This Chicken and Vegetables Skillet gets from stovetop to table in about 30 minutes. Whether you’re racing the clock or just hungry, this recipe won’t keep you waiting. It’s our secret weapon on the busiest weeknights.
One-Pan Convenience
Only one pan? That’s right! Less mess, fewer dishes, and a faster clean-up routine. If you’ve got a skillet and a spoon, you’re ready to make dinner magic happen. No juggling pots and pans like a short-order cook.
Nutritious and Flavorful
We all want to eat better without giving up taste. This dish makes it effortless. The mix of lean chicken, colorful veggies, and fragrant seasonings checks all the boxes for a meal that’s both satisfying and smart.
Versatile Serving Options
Pair this Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet with rice, pasta, or keep it low-carb with cauliflower rice. It also works beautifully on its own. You’re the boss of your dinner plate here.
Ingredients Breakdown
Protein: Chicken Breast or Chicken Thighs
We typically use chicken breasts for a leaner meal, but thighs are fair game if you’re after extra juiciness. Either way, just cut them into even-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
Vegetables: Broccoli, Zucchini, Bell Peppers, Onion
These veggies bring texture, color, and plenty of nutrients. Broccoli adds bite, zucchini softens things up, bell peppers sweeten the deal, and onions build that savory base.
Seasonings: Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Thyme, Rosemary, Chili Powder
This spice blend brings it all together. The garlic and onion powders lay the groundwork, paprika and chili powder give it a kick, and the herbs round things out with earthy depth.
Fats & Liquids: Olive Oil, Chicken Broth
A little olive oil gets everything sizzling and golden, while the broth scrapes up those caramelized bits from the pan, creating a quick, savory sauce.
Finishing Touch: Fresh Parsley for Garnish
It’s not just for looks—parsley brightens up the dish and adds a touch of freshness that cuts through the richness beautifully.
How to Make Chicken and Vegetables Skillet
Prepping the Chicken with Seasoning
Chop your chicken into bite-sized chunks, season with salt and pepper, then toss with olive oil and half the spice mix. Let it sit for a bit to absorb the flavors—it’s worth the wait.
Cooking the Chicken to a Golden Brown
Heat oil in a large skillet and brown the chicken on all sides. You want that golden crust—it locks in flavor and keeps the chicken juicy. Once done, take it out and set it aside.
Sautéing Vegetables to Crisp-Tender Perfection
Add a bit more oil, throw in the onions, and let them sizzle. Follow with your chopped broccoli, zucchini, and bell peppers. Cook just until they’re tender but still have that fresh, crunchy edge.
Combining Broth, Scraping Fond, and Blending Flavors
Add broth to the skillet and scrape up the good stuff stuck to the bottom (a.k.a. flavor gold). Stir everything together and let the veggies soak up that deliciousness.
Reuniting Chicken with Veggies in the Skillet
Slide the chicken back in, juices and all. Give everything a good stir to mix those seasoned bites with your vibrant veggies. Let it cook for a minute or two more, then top with parsley.
Tips & Variations for the Perfect Chicken and Vegetables Skillet
Try Different Proteins
No chicken? No problem. Steak tips, pork loin chunks, or even tofu work beautifully here. It’s a great clean-out-the-fridge kind of dish.
Adjust the Spice to Your Taste
Chili powder brings a mild heat, but you can crank it up with cayenne or dial it down if spice isn’t your thing. Make it yours!
Switch Up the Veggies
Got carrots, mushrooms, or asparagus on hand? Toss them in. This recipe is flexible enough to work with whatever’s in season—or whatever needs using up in your crisper.
Broth Substitutes that Work
Out of chicken broth? White wine adds depth. Veggie broth keeps it vegetarian. Even plain water works in a pinch—just season accordingly.
Use a Thermometer
Undercooked or overcooked chicken? Not today. Use an instant-read thermometer and pull your chicken at 165°F. It’s a small step with big results.
Even Cuts = Even Cooks
For the best texture, make sure everything’s cut to similar sizes. It’s the little details that make a big difference.
Serving Suggestions
Go Classic with Grains or Pasta
Serve your Chicken and Vegetables Skillet over rice, quinoa, couscous, or even buttery egg noodles. It soaks up all that flavorful sauce like a champ.
Pair with These Delicious Sides
Mashed Sweet Potatoes – Creamy, dreamy, and just a little sweet.
Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges – Crispy edges and soft centers.
Parmesan Truffle Fries – Fancy, fast, and ridiculously good.
Radish & Cucumber Salad – Cool and crisp with a little zing.
Looking for more cozy dinner ideas? Check out this Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake that’s creamy and comforting.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storing It Right
Leftovers go into an airtight container and last 3 to 4 days in the fridge. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Without Drying Out
The stovetop method wins here. Toss it back in a skillet with a splash of broth or water. Cover and heat over low until warmed through. The microwave works too, but keep it short and sweet.
More Skillet Dinners You’ll Love
You’re clearly a skillet fan, and we love that for you. Here are a few more faves:
Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach – Comfort food made healthy.
Mexican Chicken Stew – Cozy, hearty, and full of flavor.
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta – Pasta meets fresh tomato and basil.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo – Creamy and comforting with a Mediterranean twist.
Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- ¼ –½ tsp chili powder to taste
- 1 medium onion thinly sliced
- 1 small head broccoli cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 medium zucchini sliced into half-moons
- 2 bell peppers any color, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Season the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, and chili powder. Drizzle with ½ tablespoon of olive oil and mix well.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer. Cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Veggies:
- In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil. Add onions and sauté for 2 minutes. Then stir in broccoli, zucchini, and bell peppers. Cook for 5–6 minutes or until crisp-tender.
Deglaze with Broth:
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir well to create a light sauce.
Combine and Serve:
- Return cooked chicken and juices to skillet. Stir everything together and heat through for 1–2 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Swap chicken with pork, tofu, or steak for variety.
- Add more chili powder or red pepper flakes for extra spice.
- Use veggie broth or white wine as a flavorful liquid alternative.
- Cut all ingredients into even pieces for consistent cooking.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts: A Skillet Worth Repeating
Our Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet checks all the boxes: fast, healthy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping meals for the week, or just cooking for one, this recipe delivers.
If you make it, let us know! We’d love to see your spin. Tag us, share your version, or just come back for another recipe. Because once you go skillet, you never go back.
