A hearty and wholesome dish, One Pot Chicken & Vegetables Skillet brings together tender chicken and crisp vegetables in a single pan for a satisfying, nutritious meal. It’s the perfect combination of convenience and flavor, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a one-pan wonder that saves time on both cooking and cleanup. It’s packed with lean protein and a colorful mix of vegetables, all seasoned with bold spices for a deliciously balanced meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a staple.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 broccoli crown, cut into florets
- ½ onion, sliced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Optional: ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for added spice
Directions
- In a bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
- Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add onion and sauté for 2 minutes. Add broccoli, zucchini, and red bell pepper. Sprinkle with remaining Cajun seasoning and cook for another 5–7 minutes, until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the chicken broth and stir well. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Garnish with parsley and optional red pepper flakes before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Protein options: Swap chicken for turkey, pork, or shrimp for a different twist.
- Vegetable substitutions: Try mushrooms, carrots, green beans, or snap peas to suit your taste or seasonal produce.
- Spice level: Reduce or increase Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes depending on your heat preference.
- Add grains: Serve over rice, couscous, or quinoa for a more filling meal.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water, or microwave in a microwave-safe container for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free, so no modifications are necessary.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
What other seasonings can I use instead of Cajun?
Try Italian seasoning, smoked paprika with garlic powder, or a taco seasoning blend.
Can I meal prep this dish?
Absolutely. It stores and reheats well, making it a great choice for weekly meal prep.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a flavorful alternative and work just as well.
What should I serve with this skillet meal?
It pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your Cajun seasoning and chicken broth are gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger skillet or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Can I make this in the oven?
This is a stovetop recipe, but you could finish it in the oven for a roasted flavor.
How do I keep the vegetables from getting soggy?
Avoid overcooking and keep the heat at medium-high when sautéing for the best texture.
Conclusion
The One Pot Chicken & Vegetables Skillet is an easy, flavorful, and nutritious meal that suits almost any lifestyle. With minimal cleanup and endless customization options, it’s a dish you’ll turn to time and time again. Try it tonight for a quick dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition.
Print
One Pot Chicken & Vegetables Skillet
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sauté, Simmer
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One Pot Chicken & Vegetables Skillet is a simple yet satisfying dish featuring seared, juicy chicken thighs and a colorful medley of vegetables cooked in a garlic-herb broth. It’s all made in one pan, making it ideal for busy weeknights or healthy meal prepping.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup baby potatoes, halved
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Season & Sear the Chicken:
- Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté 30 seconds. Add potatoes and carrots; cook for 5–6 minutes.
- Stir in zucchini, bell pepper, and green beans. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Simmer Everything Together:
- Add chicken broth and return chicken to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender.
- Finish & Serve:
- Squeeze lemon juice over everything (if using), garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use seasonal vegetables like mushrooms, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes for variety.
- Add a splash of cream for a richer version or some chili flakes for heat.
- Great for meal prep—reheats well!
- Details
Nutrition
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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