Description
This recipe offers a quick, healthy, and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights, focusing on fresh ingredients and minimal effort to create a flavorful dish that satisfies the whole family. It’s designed to be light and refreshing, transforming weeknight dinners into something enjoyable.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Start by patting your chicken cubes dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Next, chop all your vegetables: slice the bell pepper and red onion, cut the zucchini into half-moons, and halve the cherry tomatoes. Mince your garlic. Having everything prepped before you start cooking is crucial for a smooth process.
2. Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it shimmer. You want the pan to be hot enough to sear the chicken and vegetables quickly, creating a nice color without overcooking.
3. Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken cubes to the hot skillet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should have a nice crust on the outside. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
4. Saute the Aromatics and Harder Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced bell pepper and red onion. Saute for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften slightly but still retain a bit of crunch. Then, add the minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil. Cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
5. Add Remaining Vegetables: Stir in the zucchini and cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the zucchini is tender-crisp and the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices. You don’t want the vegetables to become mushy; they should still have a slight bite.
6. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir everything together gently to combine. If desired, squeeze in a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice for a bright finish. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve Immediately: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot over a bed of cooked quinoa or brown rice. The vibrant colors and fresh aromas will be a welcoming sight after a busy day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: saute
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
Keywords: chicken, healthy, weeknight, easy, quick, vegetables, dinner, skillet, mediterranean, fresh
