This Chicken and Vegetables Skillet is a wholesome, low-carb dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Made in just one pan and ready in 30 minutes, this recipe features garlicky pan-seared chicken breast tossed with a colorful medley of crisp-tender veggies like broccoli, zucchini, and bell peppers. Packed with protein, fiber, and Mediterranean-inspired herbs, it’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ¼ to ½ teaspoon chili powder

• 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced

• 3 cups bite-size broccoli florets

• 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons

• 1 small yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks

• 1 small red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks

• ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth (or dry white wine, apple juice, or water)

• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces, season with salt and pepper.

2. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, paprika, and chili powder. Sprinkle half of the seasoning over the chicken and toss with ½ tablespoon olive oil.

3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

4. Return the skillet to heat and add remaining olive oil. Sauté onions for 2 minutes, then add broccoli, zucchini, and bell peppers. Season with remaining spice mix. Cook 4–6 minutes until veggies are crisp-tender.

5. Stir in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits to form a sauce. Return chicken to skillet and cook for 1 additional minute.

6. Remove from heat, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 257

• Carbohydrates: 13g

• Protein: 28g

• Fat: 11g

• Saturated Fat: 2g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 6g

• Cholesterol: 73mg

• Sodium: 168mg

• Potassium: 958mg

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 5g

• Vitamin A: 1714 IU

• Vitamin C: 166mg

• Calcium: 63mg

• Iron: 2mg

A Skillet Meal That Checks All the Boxes

The brilliance of this recipe lies in its simplicity. By using a single pan and a handful of fresh, nutrient-dense ingredients, you get a complete meal that tastes like it took far more effort than it actually did. The chicken is seasoned with garlic, thyme, rosemary, and paprika for depth and warmth, while the vegetables are sautéed until crisp-tender, providing a perfect contrast in texture.

This kind of meal is exactly what modern home cooking is all about—fast, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. You can customize the vegetables to your taste or to what you already have on hand, and the entire dish is easily doubled if you’re feeding a larger group or want leftovers for lunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to love this Chicken and Vegetables Skillet, starting with its convenience. It takes less than 10 minutes to prep and just 20 minutes to cook, which means you can have dinner on the table in half an hour or less. The combination of garlic, herbs, and spices provides incredible flavor with no need for heavy sauces or complicated techniques.

It’s also naturally gluten-free and low in carbohydrates, making it ideal for those following a low-carb or keto-friendly diet. The fresh veggies add vibrant color and a generous dose of vitamins and minerals, and the lean chicken breast provides high-quality protein to help keep you full and satisfied.

Even picky eaters are likely to enjoy this one—especially when served with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a side of warm, crusty bread or a light green salad.

Nutritional Benefits That Support Healthy Living

One of the standout features of this skillet meal is its nutrient density. Each serving delivers just 257 calories and 13 grams of carbohydrates, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs. The 28 grams of protein per serving help build and maintain lean muscle mass, support immune health, and promote feelings of fullness after meals.

The vegetables—broccoli, zucchini, and bell peppers—are packed with fiber and antioxidants. Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate, and is known for its cancer-fighting phytochemicals. Bell peppers offer vibrant doses of vitamins A and C, as well as carotenoids that support eye health. Zucchini provides hydration, potassium, and additional fiber for digestive wellness.

With just 168mg of sodium per serving, this recipe is also heart-healthy and suitable for those looking to reduce their salt intake. The olive oil contributes monounsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular function and lower bad cholesterol levels.

Perfect for Meal Prep or Weeknight Dinners

This dish is incredibly meal-prep friendly. You can portion it into containers for grab-and-go lunches or prepare it ahead of time and reheat when needed. Because the ingredients reheat well and maintain their texture, this skillet meal tastes just as good the next day—if not better.

It’s also a dream for weeknight dinners. You only need one pan, so cleanup is minimal, and the ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store. If you’re someone who wants to cook more at home but struggles to find the time, this recipe makes healthy home-cooking not only possible but enjoyable.

It’s also kid-friendly, visually appealing, and endlessly adaptable to different flavor preferences and dietary goals.

Flavor and Texture That Impress

This skillet meal offers the best of both worlds—tender, golden-brown chicken with a flavorful herb crust, and a rainbow of vegetables cooked until just tender, retaining a bit of crunch and brightness. The chicken is seasoned with a custom spice blend that includes garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, paprika, and chili powder. This combination brings warmth and a subtle kick that perfectly complements the sweetness of the sautéed peppers and the earthiness of the broccoli and zucchini.

Deglazing the skillet with chicken broth (or wine, apple juice, or water) not only lifts all the flavorful browned bits from the pan but also creates a light, savory sauce that ties the whole dish together. This final step adds depth without relying on cream, flour, or butter, keeping the recipe light and wholesome.

Ways to Serve and Customize

This recipe is incredibly flexible. Serve it just as it is for a low-carb, balanced dinner, or add a small portion of rice, quinoa, or couscous if you want something more filling. For extra indulgence, top with grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese.

Here are a few variations to explore:

Swap out the vegetables: Use green beans, snap peas, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or spinach.
Change the protein: Try sliced turkey breast, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Add citrus: A squeeze of lemon or a bit of zest at the end brightens the flavors.
Make it spicy: Increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
Boost fiber and plant power: Stir in canned chickpeas or white beans for extra heartiness.

This dish also pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed in olive oil and lemon, or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt mixed with herbs for a Mediterranean-inspired dip.

Cooking Tips for Success

Cut the chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces so that it cooks evenly and quickly.
Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken to get a good sear and lock in moisture.
Avoid crowding the pan—cook in batches if necessary to allow the chicken to brown instead of steam.
Don’t overcook the vegetables. You want them to be crisp-tender to maintain their nutrients, texture, and color.
Taste and adjust seasoning at the end, especially if you’re using unsalted broth or adding different vegetables.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Vegetables Skillet is the perfect fusion of convenience, nutrition, and satisfying flavor. It’s a shining example of how simple ingredients, when thoughtfully combined, can create a meal that’s both nourishing and delicious. With only one pan and 30 minutes, you’ll have a dish that’s suitable for weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep—and one that fits beautifully into any balanced diet.

From the lean protein of the chicken to the rainbow of vegetables rich in vitamins and fiber, every element of this meal supports a healthier lifestyle without sacrificing taste or comfort. Whether you’re looking to eat cleaner, cook more efficiently, or simply enjoy a colorful plate of food, this recipe will quickly become a reliable go-to in your culinary rotation.