Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash
A wholesome and simple recipe combining juicy chicken breast with vibrant zucchini and squash, perfect for a light and satisfying dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Paleo
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.25 lbs boneless chicken breasts (diced into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning (divided)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (divided)
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (plus extra for garnish)
- 10 oz zucchini (about 2 small, sliced into rounds)
- 10 oz yellow squash (about 2 small, sliced into rounds)
- 0.33 cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Season the chicken: Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon zest. Toss to coat evenly.
- Sauté the chicken: Add 1 tablespoon butter to the hot skillet and let it melt completely. Add seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 3 minutes until golden.
- Flip and cook through: Flip chicken pieces and cook for another 3 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
- Prepare the vegetables: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add sliced zucchini and yellow squash. Season with salt, remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
- Cook the squash: Cook vegetables for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp with a slight golden color.
- Combine and toss: Return chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and toss everything together for 1 minute.
- Finish with cheese: Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Let the cheese melt slightly from the residual heat.
- Serve: Serve warm, garnished with extra lemon zest if desired. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
Pairs well with brown rice or quinoa and a light salad. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Find it online: https://tashirecipez.com/healthy-chicken-breast-zucchini-squash/