This dish features juicy chicken breasts cooked with fresh zucchini and squash. It’s a bright and healthy meal that’s packed with flavor and colors!
Cooking this is super easy! I love tossing the veggies in just before serving for that perfect crunch. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in those greens without anyone noticing! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly. If you’re looking for alternatives, turkey breast or even tofu works great if you prefer a vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times as necessary.
Zucchini & Yellow Squash: These veggies add color and texture! If you can’t find them, feel free to swap in bell peppers, broccoli, or asparagus. They will also work well in this dish!
Orzo Pasta: This small pasta shapes hold onto flavors nicely. If you’re avoiding carbs, you can simply skip it or substitute with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
Olive Oil: This oil is great for sautéing, but you can also use avocado oil or grapeseed oil if you prefer. Both have high smoke points and bring a nice flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: For a nutty flavor, I recommend Parmesan. If you want it dairy-free, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy taste without the dairy!
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken properly can be tricky! Here’s how to make sure your chicken is juicy and flavorful:
- Start with even-sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate. Cut them into bite-sized chunks.
- Preheat your skillet before adding the oil and chicken. This helps to seal in the juices.
- Cook the chicken until golden brown on the outside—about 5-7 minutes. A quick sear adds a lot of flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet, as this can cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if needed.
By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to making tender, tasty chicken every time!
Easy Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Vegetables:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 1 medium yellow squash, sliced into rounds
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Orzo Pasta (Optional):
- 1 cup orzo pasta (optional)
For Cooking and Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 lemon, sliced (for garnish and juice)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. With just a few steps, you’ll have a healthy meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Orzo:
In a medium pot, bring water to a boil and cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the orzo and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet, seasoning them with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Next, add the sliced zucchini and yellow squash to the skillet. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
4. Combine and Serve:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables and toss everything together to combine and heat through. If using orzo, plate it on the serving plates first, then top with the chicken and vegetable mixture.
5. Garnish:
Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the top for extra flavor. Decorate your dish with lemon slices and, if desired, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over everything before serving to brighten up the flavors!
Enjoy your healthy, colorful, and easy-to-prepare meal! It’s delicious and nourishes your body at the same time!
FAQ for Easy Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Once thawed, pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help achieve a good sear.
Can I Substitute Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! If you don’t have zucchini or yellow squash, feel free to use bell peppers, asparagus, or broccoli florets. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary a bit depending on the vegetable you choose.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and vegetables in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, combine them and sauté until heated through. The orzo can also be cooked ahead and stored in the fridge.
Feel free to ask more questions if you have any! Enjoy your cooking!
