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- 2 medium zucchinis, diced - 1 medium yellow squash, diced - 2 chicken breasts, cubed - 1 red bell pepper, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Additional spices for flavor enhancement - Alternative vegetables to include - Skillet - Cutting board - Sharp knife When I make Zucchini Squash Chicken Skillet, I like to keep my ingredient list simple. Fresh zucchinis and yellow squash are key. They add nice texture and flavor. I also use chicken breasts for protein. You can cube them easily. I toss in a red bell pepper for a sweet crunch. Garlic adds great depth. I season the dish with Italian seasoning and paprika. Salt and pepper round out the flavors. For tools, I reach for a large skillet. A cutting board and a sharp knife help me prep quickly. You can also add other spices or veggies based on your taste. Feel free to get creative! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. 2. Once hot, add the cubed chicken breasts. Season them with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. 3. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until it is cooked through and browned. 1. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set it aside. 2. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. 3. Add the minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they soften. 4. Next, add the diced zucchini and yellow squash. Stir well and cook for another 5-7 minutes until tender but still crisp. 1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Mix everything together. 2. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm the chicken through. 3. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. This simple process creates a tasty meal in no time! When you pick zucchini and squash, look for these signs: - The skin should be smooth and shiny. - Choose firm vegetables without soft spots. - Smaller zucchinis are often sweeter and more tender. Store your fresh zucchini and squash in the fridge. Keep them in a paper bag. This helps them breathe and stay fresh longer. Use them within a week for the best taste. To keep your chicken juicy, do this: - Start with a hot skillet. - Avoid overcrowding the pan, which causes steaming. Cook the chicken until it's golden brown and no longer pink inside. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Check it often to make sure it doesn't dry out. Try these tips to boost the taste of your dish: - Add extra herbs like thyme or oregano for a twist. - A splash of lemon juice brightens the flavors. Mix in the lemon juice just before serving for a fresh kick. It makes the dish pop and taste even better. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil adds a vibrant flavor. Add it just before serving to keep its aroma and taste intact. Keep Vegetables Crisp: Don't overcook the zucchini and yellow squash; they should be tender yet crisp for the best texture. Marinate the Chicken: For added flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking. Balance the Seasoning: Taste your dish before serving and adjust the salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can make this dish more keto-friendly. Start by substituting low-carb vegetables. Instead of zucchini or yellow squash, use cauliflower or broccoli. These options keep the dish low in carbs. You can also reduce the olive oil quantity. Use just one tablespoon instead of two. This small change helps lower the overall fat content. Want to boost the protein? You can easily add shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and pairs well with the flavors. Tofu adds a nice texture and is great for a plant-based meal. If you prefer vegetarian options, try using chickpeas or lentils. These add protein and fiber, making the dish hearty. To change the flavor, try a Mediterranean twist. Add olives and feta cheese for a briny taste. This twist gives the dish an exciting new layer of flavor. For a spicy version, include jalapeños or hot sauce. Just a little heat can change everything. You can control how spicy it gets by adding more or less. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Use an airtight container to keep the food fresh. Make sure the dish cools down before sealing it to avoid steam buildup. To freeze the dish, let it cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It will last up to three months in the freezer. For best results, label the container with the date. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat. This keeps the vegetables crisp. You can also use a microwave, but stir halfway through to ensure even heating. Avoid overcooking to prevent soggy vegetables. Enjoy your tasty meal! Yes, you can use frozen vegetables. They save time and are easy to find. However, frozen veggies often have more water. This can change the texture. Cook them a bit longer to help with excess moisture. Start by sautéing them right after the chicken. This way, you get a nice, hearty meal. This dish pairs well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Rice or quinoa for a filling meal - A fresh salad for crunch - Garlic bread for extra flavor - Mashed potatoes for comfort These sides add variety and make your meal more complete. Making this recipe dairy-free is simple. Just follow these tips: - Skip any cheese toppings. - Use olive oil instead of butter. - Check labels for dairy-free seasoning mixes. These swaps keep the flavor while making the dish safe for those with dairy allergies. Enjoy your healthy meal! This blog post shared a tasty chicken skillet recipe featuring zucchini and squash. You learned what ingredients you need, how to prepare and cook everything, and tips for perfect flavor. I also offered variations for different diets. Remember, cooking is fun, and you can change this recipe to suit your taste. Enjoy experimenting with new flavors and ingredients. You can make it your own! Keep this guide handy for your next meal.

Zucchini Squash Chicken Skillet

A delicious and healthy skillet dish featuring chicken, zucchini, and yellow squash.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium zucchinis, diced
  • 1 medium yellow squash, diced
  • 2 pieces chicken breasts, cubed
  • 1 piece red bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
  • Once hot, add the cubed chicken breasts to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and browned.
  • Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
  • Add the minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper to the skillet, sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened.
  • Next, add the diced zucchini and yellow squash to the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing everything together. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm the chicken through.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Feel free to add other vegetables or spices to taste.
Keyword chicken, healthy, skillet, zucchini