Hello, food lovers! If you’re like me, always on the lookout for easy, delicious meals that make life simpler, I’ve got a recipe you’ll love. This colorful One-Pot Chicken & Veggie Delight combines juicy chicken bites with crisp-tender veggies, all simmered together in one skillet. It’s not just about the joy of easy cleanup—it’s also a nutrient-packed dish that’s full of flavor and perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
One-pan meals have quickly become a favorite in my kitchen, especially when I’m balancing a busy schedule but still want to enjoy wholesome food. The best part? This recipe combines fresh ingredients with minimal effort, making it a go-to for meal prep or last-minute dinner ideas.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Chicken & Veggie Skillet
This dish isn’t just convenient—it’s a beautiful celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors. The chicken is seasoned perfectly, and the veggies are sautéed until they’re just the right mix of crisp and tender. This skillet is the perfect balance of taste and health, packed with lean protein and colorful vegetables that bring both nutrition and excitement to the table. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze with just one pan to wash!
The Magic of One-Pan Meals
One of the main reasons I adore one-pan meals is how effortlessly they come together. Imagine this: You’ve had a long day, and the last thing you want to do is fuss over multiple pots and pans. But with this colorful chicken and veggie skillet, you can throw everything into one pan, let it cook, and let the magic happen. It’s easy, it’s delicious, and it’s healthy—what’s not to love?
Gathering Your Ingredients
This is where the fun begins. To bring this dish to life, gather some of the freshest ingredients you can find. You’ll need:
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender and juicy, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
- Fresh vegetables: Go for a mix of colorful veggies—green beans, yellow squash, red bell peppers, and zucchini. The brighter the veggie, the better the dish!
- Seasonings: We’re talking garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, and dried herbs like thyme and rosemary for a savory kick.
- Liquid: For deglazing, you can use chicken broth, white wine, or water—whatever you prefer.
A touch of olive oil (or avocado oil, if you like) will add moisture and richness to the dish, ensuring that the chicken stays juicy while the veggies cook to perfection.
How to Make It
- Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, and dried thyme and rosemary. Toss it all together, making sure every piece is coated with the spices.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until it’s golden brown on all sides. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
- Cook the Veggies: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Toss in the onions and cook for 2 minutes, then add your firmer veggies—green beans and bell peppers. Let them cook for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the zucchini and yellow squash, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is crisp-tender.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth (or your choice of liquid) to deglaze the pan. This will pick up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet—trust me, that’s where the magic happens!
- Bring It All Together: Add the chicken back into the skillet, along with any juices that have accumulated. Stir everything together, and let it cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add a pinch of salt or extra spices for that perfect balance of flavor.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and your colorful one-pot chicken and veggie delight is ready to serve!
Serving Suggestions & Variations
This dish is so versatile. Here are a few ways to customize it:
- Grains: Serve it over fluffy white rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb option.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for a fresh Mediterranean flavor.
- Middle Eastern Flavor: Sprinkle some Cajun seasoning, squeeze a bit of lemon juice, and you’ve got a Middle Eastern-inspired version.
Leftovers & Meal Prep
This dish is perfect for meal prep. If you have leftovers, simply store them in an airtight container and reheat when you’re ready for round two. It’s just as tasty the next day! For meal prep, you can make the chicken and veggies ahead of time and store them in separate containers, then assemble the dish when you’re ready to eat.
Final Thoughts: Easy, Healthy, and Delicious
This Colorful One-Pot Chicken & Veggie Delight is everything I love about simple, healthy cooking. It’s full of flavor, easy to make, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. The flexibility and ease of one-pan meals make them a staple in my kitchen—and I’m sure they’ll become a favorite in yours too!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 small yellow onion (thinly sliced)
- 3 cups bite-size broccoli florets
- 1 zucchini (thinly sliced and cut into half-moons)
- 1 small yellow bell pepper (cut into 1-inch chunks)
- 1 small red bell pepper (cut into 1-inch chunks)
- ¼ cup low sodium chicken broth (or dry white wine, apple juice, or water)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Tools:
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
Enjoy your colorful one-pot meal, and don’t forget to have fun experimenting with the ingredients to make it your own!