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
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
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.
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.
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.
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