Easy Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for a healthy meal. If you’re looking for alternatives, try turkey breast or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

Zucchini and Yellow Squash: These veggies are flexible! If you can’t find them, you could use bell peppers, asparagus, or even broccoli for the same colorful crunch.

Orzo Pasta: Orzo is a fun choice, but if you’re avoiding pasta, substitute it with quinoa, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.

Parmesan Cheese: I love freshly grated Parmesan for its rich flavor. If you want a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast gives a nice cheesy taste without the milk!

How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Juicy and Tender?

Cooking chicken can be tricky, but the key is not to overcook it. Here’s my tip:

• Start with medium-high heat to get a nice sear on the chicken, sealing in moisture.
• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—165°F is perfect! This prevents drying out.
• Let the chicken rest after cooking for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping it tender.

By following these steps, you’ll have perfectly juicy chicken in your dish every time!

Easy Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds
• 1 medium yellow squash, sliced into rounds
• 1 cup orzo pasta (or substitute with rice or another grain)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon, plus lemon slices for garnish
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

How Much Time Will You Need?

This healthy meal will take about 25 minutes to prepare from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the orzo and sautéing the chicken and veggies, which makes it a quick and easy recipe for any night of the week!

Instructions:

1. Cook the Orzo:

Start by cooking the orzo pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. It should take about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.

2. Sear the Chicken:

While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season them with salt, black pepper, and dried Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and fully cooked. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

3. Sauté the Veggies:

Using the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Then, add the zucchini and yellow squash slices to the skillet. Lightly season with salt and pepper, and cook for approximately 4-5 minutes, or until the veggies are tender but still crisp.

4. Combine Chicken and Veggies:

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the mixture and stir to combine everything well. Cook together for an additional 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld.

5. Serve and Garnish:

To plate, put a generous serving of the cooked orzo on each plate. Top with the chicken and vegetable mixture. Finish it off by garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and lemon slices for an extra pop of flavor.

Enjoy your healthy, easy, and colorful chicken with zucchini and squash! It’s a delightful, nutritious meal that you’ll be sure to love!

FAQ for Easy Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash

Can I Use Different Vegetables?

Absolutely! If you don’t have zucchini or yellow squash on hand, feel free to substitute with bell peppers, asparagus, or broccoli. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as some vegetables may cook faster or slower.

How Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, simply omit the Parmesan cheese. You can add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast during cooking for a cheesy flavor without the dairy!

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can! You can prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat in a skillet until warmed through, and serve over freshly cooked orzo.

What Should I Do With Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the dish moist.