Chicken and Vegetables Skillet

This hearty chicken and vegetables skillet has become my weeknight dinner salvation when I need something nutritious and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of juicy chicken with colorful vegetables creates a complete meal that satisfies the whole family while keeping things healthy.

I first created this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something quick but didn't want to compromise on nutrition. My children, who normally pick around vegetables, devoured this colorful skillet and now request it regularly. The secret is in letting the vegetables maintain their crisp texture while absorbing all those aromatic herbs.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: Gives this dish a Mediterranean flair and helps the herbs bloom for maximum flavor
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Provide lean protein that stays juicy when cut into pieces
• Garlic powder and onion powder: Offer convenience while delivering deep flavor without burning
• Dried thyme and rosemary: Create an aromatic herb blend that perfumes the entire dish
• Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and beautiful color to both the chicken and vegetables
• Chili powder: Brings gentle warmth without overwhelming spice, perfect for family meals
• Fresh vegetables: Broccoli, peppers, and zucchini maintain their bright colors and nutrients with quick cooking
• Low sodium chicken broth: Creates a light sauce that brings everything together without heaviness
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the finished dish with color and a pop of fresh flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the chicken:

Season cubed chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper, allowing them to come to room temperature while you prepare other ingredients. This ensures even cooking and helps the seasoning penetrate the meat properly.

Create the spice blend:

Combine garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, paprika, and chili powder in a small bowl, mixing thoroughly with your fingertips to break up any clumps. Dividing this mixture allows you to layer flavor throughout the cooking process rather than adding everything at once.

Season the chicken:

Sprinkle half the spice mixture over the chicken pieces, then drizzle with olive oil. Use your hands to massage the seasonings into the meat, ensuring every piece is coated evenly. This step creates a flavorful foundation for the entire dish.

Sear the chicken:

Heat olive oil until shimmering in a large skillet before adding the chicken in a single layer without overcrowding. Allow pieces to develop a golden crust before stirring, approximately 2 minutes per side. The chicken should register 165°F internally when fully cooked.

Cook the vegetables:

After removing chicken, add remaining oil, then sauté onions first to develop sweetness. Add remaining vegetables and season with the rest of your spice blend. Stir occasionally but not constantly to allow some caramelization to develop on the vegetables while maintaining their vibrant colors and crisp texture.

Create a light sauce:

Pour chicken broth into the hot pan, which will sizzle immediately, creating steam that helps vegetables finish cooking while forming a light savory sauce. The liquid will reduce slightly, capturing all the flavors from the pan.

Combine and finish:

Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan, gently folding everything together. This brief final cooking allows flavors to meld while ensuring everything is hot. Taste and adjust seasonings, remembering that flavors intensify as the dish sits.

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The dried rosemary in this recipe is my secret weapon. While fresh herbs are wonderful, dried rosemary actually works better here because it has time to soften and infuse the entire dish with its pine-like aroma. My grandmother always said rosemary makes chicken sing, and this recipe proves her right every time.

Make Ahead Options

This skillet dish actually improves with time as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it completely up to two days ahead and reheat gently on the stovetop with an additional splash of broth if needed. For busy weeks, I often double the recipe and enjoy leftovers for quick lunches. The vegetables will soften slightly upon reheating but maintain their bright flavors.

Perfect Pairings

While this skillet is certainly complete on its own, I love serving it with various accompaniments depending on hunger levels and dietary preferences. For those wanting carbs, a simple side of fluffy quinoa or brown rice soaks up the light savory sauce beautifully. Low-carb diners might enjoy it over riced cauliflower or with a side of roasted sweet potatoes. For a company-worthy presentation, serve it alongside a crusty artisan bread for dipping into the flavorful pan juices.

Smart Substitutions

This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. Chicken thighs can replace breasts for more richness and forgiveness in cooking time. The vegetable assortment is entirely flexible; cauliflower, mushrooms, green beans, and cherry tomatoes all work beautifully. For an Italian twist, substitute the thyme and rosemary with Italian seasoning and add a handful of olives in the final minutes of cooking. Vegetarians can replace the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas; just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

For a beautiful presentation, serve this colorful skillet directly in the pan at the table for a rustic family-style meal. I like to add a final drizzle of good olive oil and scatter fresh herbs just before serving to brighten both the appearance and flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir if you prefer red. For a complete experience, offer lemon wedges on the side as a squeeze of fresh citrus just before eating adds a wonderful brightness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey, shrimp, or firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

→ What other vegetables can I include?

You can add mushrooms, asparagus, snap peas, or carrots. Just ensure the vegetables have similar cooking times for even texture.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and vegetables in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat in a skillet before serving.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

While the chicken freezes well, the vegetables may lose their texture. It's best to freeze the cooked chicken and prepare fresh vegetables when reheating.

→ How can I adjust the spice level?

Increase or decrease the chili powder amount to suit your spice preference. You can also add red pepper flakes for more heat.