Garlic Herb Chicken & Vegetable Skillet

Garlic Herb Chicken & Vegetable Skillet

Serves

4 people
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 25 min


Ingredients

Protein & Veg

  • 1½ lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (breasts work too)

  • 1½ cups broccoli florets

  • 1 medium zucchini, sliced into thick rounds

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced

  • 3–4 tbsp olive oil, divided

Flavor Base

  • 5 cloves garlic, finely minced

  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

  • 1½ tsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • 1 tsp dried thyme

  • 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste)

  • ½ tsp black pepper

Fresh Finish

  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

  • Zest of ½ lemon

  • 1–2 tbsp lemon juice


Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

Pat chicken dry and cut into large bite-size chunks (don’t go too small or they’ll dry out).

In a bowl, toss chicken with:

  • 1½ tbsp olive oil

  • Smoked paprika

  • Oregano

  • Thyme

  • Salt & black pepper

Set aside while you prep the veggies.


2. Sear the Chicken

Heat a large cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
Add 1½ tbsp olive oil.

Add chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed).

  • Cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through.

  • Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

🔥 Pro tip: Don’t stir too much—let it brown.


3. Cook the Veggies

In the same skillet, add:

  • Remaining olive oil

  • Broccoli first (needs the most time)

Cook 2–3 minutes, then add:

  • Zucchini

  • Red bell pepper

Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Sauté 4–5 minutes, until tender-crisp and lightly charred.


4. Bring It All Together

Lower heat to medium.

Add to the skillet:

  • Garlic

  • Red pepper flakes

Stir for 30–45 seconds (don’t burn the garlic).

Return chicken to the pan and toss everything together.


5. Finish Like a Pro

Turn off heat and add:

  • Lemon zest

  • Lemon juice

  • Fresh parsley

Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or chili flakes.

Let it rest 2 minutes so flavors settle.


How to Serve

  • As-is for a low-carb meal

  • Over rice, quinoa, or orzo

  • With warm crusty bread to soak up the juices

  • Add a spoon of Greek yogurt or tzatziki on the side 👀


Optional Upgrades

  • 🧀 Sprinkle feta or parmesan

  • 🧄 Add a knob of butter at the end for richness

  • 🍯 Drizzle honey for sweet-heat contrast

  • 🍄 Toss in mushrooms or green beans

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