Name: Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 lbs boneless chicken breasts, diced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 10 oz zucchini, sliced; 10 oz yellow squash, sliced; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning; Juice and zest of 1 lemon; Salt and black pepper to taste; Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Why Make This Recipe

Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash is a vibrant and nutritious dish that is perfect for any meal. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables. The combination of chicken and seasonal squash makes it a great option for a wholesome dinner. Plus, it’s delicious!

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How to Make Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash

Ingredients

1 1/4 lbs boneless chicken breasts, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
10 oz zucchini, sliced
10 oz yellow squash, sliced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

Season the diced chicken breast with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder in a bowl.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
Cook the seasoned chicken pieces in the skillet for about 5-6 minutes on one side until browned. Then, flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes until cooked through.
Add the zucchini and yellow squash to the skillet, stirring gently to combine. Season the vegetables with the remaining Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet crisp.
Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

How to Serve Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash

Serve this dish warm for a lovely dinner! It pairs well with a side of brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal. You can also enjoy it with a fresh salad to add more greens to your plate.

How to Store Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash

If you have leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a microwave or warm it gently in a skillet until heated through.

Tips to Make Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash

Make sure to cut the chicken and vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking.
Adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can add more garlic or lemon if you like stronger flavors.
Experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added variety.

Variation

If you want to add a spicy kick, you can sprinkle some red pepper flakes on the chicken before cooking. You can also try marinating the chicken in a mix of lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs for a few hours before cooking for extra flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breast for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breast, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for the best results.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Certainly! You can substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a tasty vegetarian version of this dish.