If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that checks all the boxes — quick, nutritious, full of color, and loaded with wholesome flavors — the Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet belongs at the top of your list. This one-pan wonder is a medley of tender chicken and vibrant, sautéed vegetables kissed with zesty lemon and fresh parsley. It’s a celebration of simplicity that delivers impressive results, proving healthy truly can mean hearty and satisfying. Plus, cleanup is a breeze, giving you more time to savor every last bite.

Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet comes from a handful of easy-to-find ingredients that work together to create a dish bursting with flavor and color. Each addition has a specific role play: from juicy chicken to sweet bell peppers, every bite brings a new dimension.

Chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and stay exceptionally tender.
Olive oil: Adds a lovely richness and helps with browning both the chicken and the vegetables.
Garlic powder: Provides a subtle, fundamental layer of flavor right from the start.
Paprika: Offers a hint of smoky warmth that complements the fresh veggies.
Salt & black pepper: Essential for drawing out the natural flavors and seasoning the dish perfectly.
Red and yellow bell peppers: Bring vivid color and sweet crunch.
Zucchini & yellow squash: These summer squashes give the skillet a tender bite and mild, earthy flavor.
Broccoli florets: Add a pop of green and a nutritious crunch.
Fresh garlic: Sautéed for a fragrant punch at the finish.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps everything juicy and helps meld all the flavors together.
Lemon juice: Brightens every bite and balances the savory elements.
Fresh parsley: Sprinkled at the end for freshness and a pop of green.

How to Make Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by placing your chicken pieces in a bowl and tossing them well with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This quick seasoning step is where you build a strong flavor foundation so every bite tastes well-seasoned and savory right from the get-go.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are beautifully browned on the outside and cooked through to the center. This usually takes about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside — you’ll bring it back for the grand finale!

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

Pour the remaining tablespoon of olive oil into the same skillet. Toss in the chopped bell peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, and broccoli. Stir them frequently for 4 to 5 minutes, letting them become tender-crisp and soak up the tasty fond left from the chicken. Just before they’re ready, add the minced garlic for an extra layer of fragrant flavor.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Bring the chicken back to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and squeeze in that lively lemon juice, stirring to coat every bite in the bright, zesty sauce. Let everything cook together for 2 to 3 minutes so all the flavors get acquainted. Finish with a shower of freshly chopped parsley for a fresh and herby touch worthy of a weeknight masterpiece.

How to Serve Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a must, adding a pop of color and a fresh, slightly peppery flavor. If you want to take things up a notch, a light dusting of grated Parmesan works wonders — the salty, nutty bite brings out the best in the chicken and vegetables.

Side Dishes

This Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet is wonderfully complete on its own, but pairing it with fluffy quinoa, brown rice, or even a handful of warm whole-grain bread can make it extra satisfying. If you want to keep things low-carb, serve it with cauliflower rice or a crisp green salad on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving this skillet straight from the pan at the table has an irresistible rustic charm — just grab large serving spoons and let everyone help themselves. For a fancier touch, you can plate it over a bed of baby spinach or arugula, letting the heat gently wilt the greens underneath. Or, scoop it into bowls for a colorful, cozy presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches — you’ll love how the flavors deepen overnight!

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze leftovers, let the dish cool completely and pack it into freezer-safe containers. The chicken and heartier veggies like broccoli hold up well, though bell peppers and squash may soften more after thawing. For best taste and texture, enjoy within two months.

Reheating

Reheat your Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to restore moisture if needed. The microwave works too — just cover loosely to avoid drying out and heat in short increments, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are just as delicious in this recipe, offering a slightly richer flavor and extra tenderness. Just trim any excess fat and proceed with the recipe as written.

What other vegetables work well in this skillet?

This recipe is incredibly flexible. Try swapping or adding mushrooms, asparagus, snap peas, or even spinach at the end for extra greens. Just keep your total vegetable load about the same to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Is the Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet gluten-free?

Yes! With no wheat or gluten-containing ingredients, this dish is perfect for gluten-free diners. Just double-check your chicken broth to ensure it’s labeled gluten-free.

How do I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped fresh jalapeño along with the bell peppers for a gentle heat. A dash of hot sauce stirred in at the end can also liven things up.

Can I meal prep this Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet?

Definitely! It’s a meal prep superstar. Portion it into containers and refrigerate, then just reheat when ready to eat. You can even freeze individual servings for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting and undeniably rewarding about a dish that’s as healthy, vibrant, and easy as the Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet. I hope it becomes a regular on your table, brightening busy weeknights and fueling happy, wholesome meals. Give it a try — you might be surprised how quickly it becomes a new favorite!

Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

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

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Description

This Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight. Tender chicken pieces are seasoned and cooked with a variety of colorful vegetables in a savory broth, creating a delicious and nutritious dish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Vegetables:

1 small red bell pepper, chopped
1 small yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
1 medium yellow squash, sliced into half-moons
1 cup broccoli florets
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Season the Chicken: Season chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate.
Cook the Vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Add bell peppers, zucchini, squash, and broccoli. Cook for 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Combine and Finish: Return chicken to the skillet, pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until heated through. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

You can swap vegetables based on season or preference—try asparagus, snap peas, or mushrooms.
For extra flavor, sprinkle with grated Parmesan before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American