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Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash seared to golden perfection, surrounded by vibrant slices of zucchini, squash, and fresh herbs in a skillet.

Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash

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  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash is a vibrant, one-pan meal loaded with juicy chicken, tender zucchini and squash, fresh lemon, and parmesan. Quick, light, and perfect for busy weeknights!

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 1/4 lbs boneless chicken breasts, diced into small pieces

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

  • 2 tablespoons butter, divided (or substitute additional olive oil)

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided

  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest, plus extra 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

  • Optional: Cooked orzo for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Season Chicken:

    • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.

    • Pat diced chicken dry with paper towels.

    • Season with salt, pepper, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon zest. Toss to coat.

  2. Cook Chicken:

    • Add 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet with the olive oil.

    • Add chicken and cook about 3 minutes on one side.

    • Flip and cook another 3 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

    • Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

  3. Cook Vegetables:

    • In the same skillet, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat.

    • Add zucchini and squash. Season with salt, remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.

    • Sauté about 4 minutes until tender-crisp.

  4. Combine and Finish:

    • Return chicken to the skillet. Drizzle in lemon juice.

    • Toss to combine.

    • Sprinkle with parmesan and parsley. Garnish with extra lemon zest if desired.

    • Serve warm, over cooked orzo if using.

Notes

Patting chicken dry helps it brown better instead of steaming.
Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
For dairy-free, skip butter and parmesan and use all olive oil.
Delicious served over rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa, or pasta.
Great for meal prep—leftovers reheat well!

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop Skillet
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 370 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 39 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg

Find it online: https://chickenmagicrecipes.com/healthy-chicken-breast-with-zucchini-and-squash/