In our busy household, weeknight dinners can often feel like a race against the clock. Finding a meal that’s both nutritious and quick to prepare can be a real challenge. That’s why this Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet recipe has become an absolute staple in our kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that manages to tick all the boxes: it’s packed with vibrant vegetables, lean protein, bursting with flavor, and ready in under 40 minutes from start to finish. Honestly, even on the most hectic evenings, I can whip this up and have a wholesome, satisfying dinner on the table without any fuss. My kids, who are sometimes vegetable-averse, surprisingly devour this skillet meal, especially when they get to pick their favorite veggies to include. The aroma that fills the kitchen while it’s cooking is simply irresistible, a medley of herbs and spices mingling with the savory scent of chicken and fresh vegetables. It’s a dish that not only nourishes our bodies but also brings us together at the dinner table, making weeknights feel a little less chaotic and a lot more delicious. If you’re searching for a healthy, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal to add to your repertoire, look no further – this Chicken and Vegetables Skillet is about to become your new go-to recipe.

Ingredients

This recipe shines because of its simplicity and the fresh, wholesome ingredients it uses. Here’s what you’ll need to create this vibrant skillet masterpiece:

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Olive oil is the heart-healthy fat that helps to sauté the chicken and vegetables to perfection. Using it in divided amounts ensures both the chicken and vegetables cook properly and develop a beautiful golden-brown color. Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its rich flavor and higher antioxidant content.
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces: Chicken breast is the lean protein powerhouse of this dish. Cutting it into 1-inch pieces ensures quick and even cooking, keeping the chicken juicy and tender. Opt for high-quality, fresh chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer, more flavorful dark meat option, just adjust cooking time accordingly as thighs take slightly longer to cook.
Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste: These are the foundational seasonings, enhancing the natural flavors of both the chicken and vegetables. Freshly ground black pepper offers a more robust and aromatic flavor compared to pre-ground pepper. Season generously to bring out the best in every ingredient.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder provides a concentrated garlic flavor that infuses the chicken and vegetables with a savory depth. It’s a convenient pantry staple that adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the dish. For a bolder garlic flavor, you could also consider adding fresh minced garlic alongside the garlic powder or substituting entirely with 2-3 cloves of fresh minced garlic, added with the onions.
½ teaspoon onion powder: Similar to garlic powder, onion powder delivers a concentrated onion flavor that complements the other spices and vegetables. It adds a subtle sweetness and savory note that enhances the overall taste profile. Like garlic, you could also add fresh diced onion in addition to or instead of the powder for a fresher, more pronounced onion taste.
½ teaspoon dried thyme: Thyme brings an earthy, slightly lemony, and subtly minty flavor to the dish. It pairs beautifully with chicken and vegetables, adding a layer of aromatic complexity. Dried thyme is convenient and readily available, but fresh thyme sprigs (about 1 tablespoon chopped) can also be used for a brighter, more herbaceous flavor.
½ teaspoon dried rosemary: Rosemary offers a robust, piney, and slightly peppery flavor that complements the thyme and other spices. It adds a distinctive Mediterranean touch to the skillet. Dried rosemary is potent, so a little goes a long way. Fresh rosemary (about 1 tablespoon chopped) can also be used, offering a more vibrant and aromatic experience.
½ teaspoon paprika: Paprika provides a mild, slightly sweet, and subtly smoky flavor, depending on the type used. It also adds a beautiful reddish hue to the chicken and vegetables. You can use regular paprika, or for a smoky depth, consider smoked paprika. For a touch of heat, a pinch of hot paprika or cayenne pepper can be added.
¼ to ½ teaspoon chili powder: Chili powder adds a gentle warmth and subtle spice to the dish. The amount can be adjusted to your preference, from a mild hint of heat to a more noticeable kick. Start with ¼ teaspoon and taste before adding more. Different chili powders have varying levels of heat, so adjust accordingly based on your spice tolerance and the specific chili powder you are using.
1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced: Yellow onion provides a foundational savory flavor and a touch of sweetness as it cooks down in the skillet. Thinly slicing ensures it cooks quickly and evenly, softening and caramelizing slightly to add depth to the dish. You can substitute with white onion or red onion, each offering slightly different flavor profiles.
3 cups bite-size broccoli florets: Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Using bite-size florets ensures they cook quickly and evenly in the skillet. Fresh broccoli is recommended for its crisp-tender texture and vibrant green color. Frozen broccoli florets can also be used, just ensure they are thawed and drained before adding to the skillet to prevent excess moisture.
1 zucchini, thinly sliced and cut into half-moons: Zucchini adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a tender texture to the dish. Thinly slicing and halving the slices ensures it cooks quickly and blends well with the other vegetables. Choose firm zucchini for the best texture. You can also use other summer squash like yellow squash.
1 small yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks: Yellow bell pepper brings a sweet, slightly fruity flavor and a vibrant color to the skillet. Bell peppers are also rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants. Cutting them into 1-inch chunks ensures they cook evenly alongside the other vegetables.
1 small red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks: Red bell pepper offers a sweeter flavor than green bell pepper and provides a beautiful contrast in color to the yellow bell pepper and broccoli. Like yellow bell peppers, they are packed with nutrients and contribute to the overall visual appeal of the dish.
¼ cup low sodium chicken broth (you can also use dry white wine, apple juice, or water): Chicken broth adds moisture to the skillet, helping to steam the vegetables and create a light sauce. Low sodium broth is preferred to control the salt content. Dry white wine adds a touch of acidity and complexity, apple juice introduces a hint of sweetness, and water is a simple and readily available option.
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Fresh parsley provides a bright, herbaceous flavor and a pop of fresh green color as a garnish. It adds a finishing touch of freshness and visual appeal to the dish. Other fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or chives can also be used depending on your preference.

Instructions

This recipe is incredibly straightforward, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Follow these simple steps to create your delicious and healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet:

Prepare the Chicken: Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. This size is ideal for quick and even cooking in the skillet, ensuring the chicken is tender and juicy throughout. Place the cut chicken pieces in a bowl and season generously with salt and fresh ground black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it’s crucial for flavorful chicken. Set the seasoned chicken aside while you prepare the spice blend.
Mix the Spice Blend: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, and chili powder. This aromatic spice blend is the flavor backbone of the dish, infusing both the chicken and vegetables with a warm and savory profile. Mix the spices thoroughly to ensure they are evenly distributed.
Season the Chicken with Spices: Sprinkle half of the prepared spice mix evenly over the seasoned chicken pieces. Drizzle ½ tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken. Toss everything together with your hands or a spoon to ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated with the spices and olive oil. This step allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken and helps it to brown beautifully in the skillet.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat. Cast iron skillets are excellent for even heat distribution and searing, but any large skillet will work. Once the oil is shimmering hot (but not smoking), carefully add the spiced chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this can steam the chicken instead of searing it. Cook the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is browned on all sides and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to ensure doneness.
Set Chicken Aside: Once the chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a clean plate using a slotted spoon or tongs, leaving any juices in the skillet. Cover the plate with foil to keep the chicken warm and set it aside. These chicken juices left in the skillet will add extra flavor to the vegetables later.
Sauté the Onions and Vegetables: Return the skillet to the stove and heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and become fragrant. Then, add the broccoli florets, zucchini half-moons, yellow bell pepper chunks, and red bell pepper chunks to the skillet. If needed, add a little more olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure the vegetables are lightly coated.
Season the Vegetables: Sprinkle the remaining spice mix over the vegetables, along with additional salt and pepper to taste. Toss the vegetables to coat them evenly with the spices. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are crisp-tender. You want them to be cooked through but still retain a slight bite, not mushy.
Add Chicken Broth and Combine: Pour in the ¼ cup of low sodium chicken broth (or your chosen alternative – white wine, apple juice, or water) into the skillet. Stir to combine the broth with the vegetables and any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. The broth will create a light and flavorful sauce.
Return Chicken to Skillet: Return the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices from the plate to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir everything together gently to combine, ensuring the chicken is heated through and coated with the vegetable mixture and sauce.
Final Simmer and Seasoning Check: Cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove the skillet from the heat. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or chili powder to taste.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish the Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet generously with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while it’s hot and flavorful.

Nutrition Facts

This Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet is not only delicious but also a nutritionally balanced meal. Here’s a general idea of the nutrition facts per serving (estimated and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes):

Servings: Approximately 4
Calories per serving: Around 350-450 calories (This is an estimate. To get a more precise calorie count, you can use a nutrition calculator app or website, inputting the exact ingredients and quantities you used).

Approximate Macronutrient Breakdown per Serving (Estimated):

Protein: 30-40 grams (from the chicken)
Fat: 15-25 grams (primarily from olive oil and naturally occurring fats in chicken)
Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams (from vegetables)
Fiber: 5-8 grams (from vegetables)

This skillet meal is a good source of lean protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a wholesome and satisfying choice for a balanced diet. It’s also relatively low in carbohydrates and calories, making it suitable for those watching their weight or carbohydrate intake.

Preparation Time

One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is its speed and ease of preparation. Here’s a breakdown of the time involved:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
- This includes cutting the chicken, chopping the vegetables, and mixing the spice blend. Efficient knife skills and having your ingredients prepped and ready to go can help you stay within this time frame.
Cook Time: 20 minutes
- This includes cooking the chicken and sautéing the vegetables. The relatively quick cooking time is due to the smaller size of the chicken pieces and the crisp-tender cooking of the vegetables.
Total Time: 35 minutes
- From start to finish, you can have a delicious and healthy meal on the table in just about 35 minutes. This makes it an ideal option for busy weeknights when time is of the essence.

How to Serve

This Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

As a Standalone Meal: This skillet is perfectly satisfying on its own as a complete and balanced meal. The combination of protein, vegetables, and light sauce makes it hearty enough for dinner.
Over Rice or Quinoa: For a more substantial meal, serve the skillet over a bed of fluffy cooked rice (white or brown rice) or quinoa. The grains will soak up the flavorful sauce and add extra carbohydrates and fiber.
With Cauliflower Rice: For a lower-carb option, serve the skillet over cauliflower rice. This is a great way to increase your vegetable intake and keep the meal light and healthy.
Alongside Roasted Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes: If you want to add a starchy side, roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes pair wonderfully with the flavors of the skillet. Their sweetness complements the savory chicken and vegetables.
With Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce from the skillet. A slice of whole-wheat bread or baguette would be perfect.
As Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter and gluten-free option, serve the chicken and vegetable mixture in crisp lettuce cups (like butter lettuce or romaine lettuce). This is a refreshing and healthy way to enjoy the dish.

Additional Tips for the Best Chicken and Vegetables Skillet

To ensure your Chicken and Vegetables Skillet is a resounding success every time, here are some helpful tips:

Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: When cooking the chicken and vegetables, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of searing, resulting in less browning and less flavorful food. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure everything cooks properly and browns nicely.
Prep Your Vegetables Ahead: To save time during cooking, chop all your vegetables while the chicken is marinating or even earlier in the day. Having your vegetables prepped and ready to go will streamline the cooking process and make weeknight dinners even faster.
Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Other great vegetable additions or substitutions include:
- Mushrooms (sliced cremini, shiitake, or button mushrooms)
- Asparagus (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- Snap peas or snow peas
- Green beans (trimmed and halved)
- Carrots (sliced or diced)
- Sweet potatoes or butternut squash (cubed and roasted slightly beforehand as they take longer to cook)
- Kale or spinach (added towards the end of cooking)
Adjust Spice Levels to Your Taste: The recipe provides a mild to moderate spice level. If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder flavor, reduce the chili powder or omit it entirely. Taste and adjust the seasoning as you go to create a dish that perfectly suits your palate.
Use Fresh Herbs When Possible: While dried herbs are convenient and work well in this recipe, using fresh herbs can elevate the flavor even further. If you have fresh thyme, rosemary, parsley, or other herbs on hand, consider using them in addition to or instead of the dried versions. Add fresh herbs towards the end of cooking to preserve their bright flavor and aroma.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions you might have about making this Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet:

Q1: Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen vegetables. Broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini can all be found frozen. Thaw and drain them thoroughly before adding them to the skillet to remove excess moisture and prevent a watery dish. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly as frozen vegetables can sometimes take a bit longer to cook.

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
A: Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or white beans for protein. For a vegan version, omit the chicken and ensure you use vegetable broth or water instead of chicken broth. You can also add plant-based protein sources like tofu or tempeh (cubed and sautéed separately if desired).

Q3: How long does this skillet last in the refrigerator?
A: Leftovers of this Chicken and Vegetables Skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. The flavors often meld together even more overnight, making it a great meal prep option.

Q4: Can I add cheese to this dish?
A: While not traditional, you can certainly add cheese if you like. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta cheese at the end of cooking or just before serving can add a nice salty and cheesy element. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor.

Q5: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
A: You can prep many components of this recipe ahead of time. Chop the vegetables, mix the spice blend, and even cut and season the chicken earlier in the day or the day before. Store the prepped ingredients separately in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, the actual cooking process is quick, making it easy to assemble even on a busy evening. You can also cook the entire skillet meal ahead of time and reheat it later, although the vegetables might lose a bit of their crispness upon reheating.

This Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet is truly a weeknight dinner champion. It’s quick, easy, nutritious, and incredibly flavorful. Give it a try, and you’ll likely find it becoming a regular part of your meal rotation, just like it has in mine. Enjoy!