This Easy Italian Chicken and Vegetable Skillet Dinner brings tasty chicken and colorful veggies together in one pot. It’s healthy, quick to make, and full of flavor!
You can almost hear the Italian music playing as you cook! I love how you just toss everything in the skillet, and before you know it, dinner is ready. Perfect for busy nights!
One of my favorite things about this dish is how it uses all those veggies in your fridge. It’s simple to customize with whatever you have on hand, making it a go-to recipe in my kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken breasts are great, but thighs stay juicier. If you’re in a hurry, rotisserie chicken works too. Just add it in towards the end to heat through!
Vegetables: This dish shines with zucchini, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes. You can swap in whatever veggies you like or have-winter squash, broccoli, or spinach work beautifully!
Olive Oil: This adds healthy fats and enhances flavor. You could use avocado oil or even butter if you prefer a different taste.
Italian Seasoning: If you don’t have this on hand, mix equal parts dried basil and oregano, or throw in some fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. Homemade is always a fun option!
How Do You Cook Chicken Perfectly Without Overcooking?
Cooking chicken perfectly can be tricky, but a few tips help! Start by cutting pieces to a similar size, so they cook evenly. Season well for flavor!
- Heat the oil before adding chicken to get a nice sear, locking in juices.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook in batches if needed.
- Use a meat thermometer—165°F means it’s done. This way, you won’t risk overcooking.
Following these steps ensures your chicken is juicy and flavorful every time. No more dry chicken dinners!
Easy Italian Chicken and Vegetable Skillet Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (a mix of basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 medium yellow squash, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This skillet dinner takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15-20 minutes to cook, bringing the total time to about 30-35 minutes. A quick and easy meal that fits perfectly into busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil heats up, season your chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes or until it’s browned and cooked through. When it’s ready, take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Garlic and Veggies:
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it smells wonderful. Next, add the sliced onion, zucchini, yellow squash, bell pepper, and mushrooms (if you’re using them). Stir and cook these veggies for around 5-6 minutes until they are tender-crisp. This is where all the flavor comes together!
3. Combine and Finish Cooking:
Now it’s time for the cherry tomatoes! Add them to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes until they soften just a bit. Then, return the cooked chicken to the pan. Give everything a good toss to combine. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, and the red pepper flakes for a little heat if you like. Cook this for another 1-2 minutes just to heat everything through.
4. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s hot and ready, take the skillet off the heat. Garnish your dish with fresh basil or parsley for that extra pop of flavor and color. If you want, sprinkle on some grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy your wholesome, one-pan meal warm!
Delicious and healthy, this Easy Italian Chicken and Vegetable Skillet Dinner is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Italian Chicken and Vegetable Skillet Dinner
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to replace or add any vegetables you like. Broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers are great alternatives. Just make sure to adjust cooking times for any harder veggies to ensure everything is tender by the end.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this dish dairy-free, simply omit the Parmesan cheese. You can enhance the flavor with a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without dairy!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Cook the chicken and vegetables, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave before serving. Just add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist during reheating.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover chicken and vegetables in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little bit of oil or broth to revive some moisture. This dish also freezes well for up to three months—just let it cool before freezing!
