Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash

Q: How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftover Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Jump to Recipe

Let’s talk about those weeknights when you want to eat healthy…but your brain (and body) is screaming for something fast, flavorful, and not resembling plain boiled chicken. Been there? Same. That’s exactly why this Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash swooped in to save my dinner routine—and might just save yours too.

This dish checks all the boxes for busy weeknights: quick, light, and full of vibrant Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, which means fewer dishes. Can I get a hallelujah?

Whether you’re feeding your family, trying to sneak more veggies into your meals, or simply looking for a recipe that feels like summer sunshine on a plate, this one’s for you.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash

Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes. Perfect for those days when you’re racing between work, errands, and everything else life throws at you.
Bursting with Flavor: Zesty lemon, savory herbs, buttery chicken, and crisp-tender veggies. Simple ingredients come together in a magical way.
Healthy but Satisfying: High in protein, loaded with fresh veggies, and finished with a sprinkle of parmesan for that little touch of indulgence.
Versatile: Serve it solo, over fluffy orzo, or even on top of a crisp green salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash:

1 1/4 lbs boneless chicken breasts, diced into small pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil, split
2 tablespoons butter, split (or use more olive oil if you prefer)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3 teaspoons Italian seasoning, split
1 teaspoon garlic powder, split
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon lemon zest, plus more for garnish
10 oz. (2 small) zucchini, sliced (halve if thick)
10 oz. (2 small) yellow squash, sliced (halve if thick)
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese, or more to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

How to Make Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash

1. Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.

While the pan heats, pat your diced chicken dry with paper towels. This step might seem fussy, but it helps the chicken brown beautifully rather than steam.

Season generously with salt, pepper, 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon zest. Toss the chicken to coat it evenly. (Pro tip: sometimes I season right on the cutting board—less cleanup!)

2. Cook the Chicken

Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the skillet alongside the olive oil.

Add your seasoned chicken and let it cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes. This helps get a nice golden color. Flip and cook the other side for about 3 minutes more, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and loosely tent it with foil to keep it warm. Resist the urge to nibble—though I admit, I always steal a piece.

3. Cook the Zucchini and Squash

In the same skillet (no need to wash!), add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter.

Add the zucchini and yellow squash slices. Season with a little salt, the remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.

Sauté, tossing occasionally, for about 4 minutes until the veggies are crisp-tender. You want them soft but still a bit snappy—not soggy. Think al dente, but for vegetables.

4. Combine Everything and Finish

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Drizzle in the fresh lemon juice and toss everything gently to combine.

Sprinkle the parmesan cheese and fresh parsley over the top, and garnish with extra lemon zest if you’d like a bright finish.

Serve your Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash warm. For a heartier meal, I love spooning it over cooked orzo. The pasta soaks up those delicious pan juices—pure magic.

Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash served over orzo pasta, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon, creating a vibrant, wholesome meal. — Enjoy this Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash over tender orzo—a fresh, lemony dish perfect for a quick and nutritious dinner.

Aneta’s Cooking Tips

Don’t skip patting the chicken dry. It’s the secret to getting a good sear and avoiding sad, steamed chicken.
Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Feel free to add a pinch of crushed red pepper for a little kick.
Cut veggies evenly. This ensures they cook at the same speed.
Double the veggies if you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers for lunch the next day.
Parmesan = happiness. Add more if you love cheesy goodness. I won’t tell!

This recipe became my weeknight lifesaver when my kids declared they were “bored of chicken.” Now, they request it weekly. Even my husband, who is suspicious of “too many vegetables,” goes back for seconds. A true victory!

FAQs About Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash

Can I substitute the chicken breast with chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work great here. Just adjust the cooking time as they might take a minute or two longer to cook through.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Skip the butter and parmesan and use extra olive oil instead. It’ll still be delicious and keep things lighter.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftover Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

What else can I serve this with?

Besides orzo, it’s lovely over rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa, or tossed into a salad.

Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash seared to golden perfection, surrounded by vibrant slices of zucchini, squash, and fresh herbs in a skillet. — Savor every bite of this Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash—a colorful, nutritious dish bursting with fresh flavors and golden seared chicken.

Let’s Keep the Magic Going!

If you’ve been hunting for a healthy dinner that’s as tasty as it is quick, this Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash might just be your new best friend. Fresh, zesty, and downright beautiful on the plate, it’s proof that healthy meals don’t have to be boring or bland.

Let me know if you try it—I’d love to hear how it turns out in your kitchen. Until then, happy cooking and keep making that chicken magic!

More Delicious Chicken Magic Recipes to Try

If you loved this Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash, you’ll definitely want to explore some other flavorful options here on Chicken Magic Recipes! Check out these delicious ideas for your next chicken dinner:

For another light and vibrant Mediterranean vibe, try this savory and zesty Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata. It’s perfect when you’re craving tangy lemon and caper flavors.
Keep the healthy veggie magic going with this tasty Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Sweet Corn. It’s another quick skillet wonder packed with fresh summer veggies.
Looking for an ultra-creamy, crowd-pleasing dinner? Don’t miss the decadent Creamy Tuscan Chicken, full of sun-dried tomatoes and spinach for a touch of indulgence.
If you’re craving a cozy, one-pan meal, check out this hearty Sheet Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Zucchini — it’s an easy way to bring bold flavors to your dinner table with minimal fuss.

Happy cooking, and may your kitchen continue to be filled with chicken magic!