Easy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here for their quick cooking and mild flavor. If you’re looking for something different, you could use chicken thighs. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful.

Zucchini and Yellow Squash: These veggies not only add great texture but also keep the meal light. If you can’t find them, feel free to use bell peppers, asparagus, or even eggplant. They’ll still taste fresh and delicious.

Olive Oil: This oil is ideal for its flavor and health benefits. If you’re looking for a different taste, avocado oil or melted coconut oil can also work well. Just avoid oils with low smoke points for this recipe.

Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds lovely depth. If you’re in a hurry, garlic powder works too, but I recommend fresh for the best flavor.

Italian Seasoning: A staple in many kitchens! You can easily replace it with your favorite herbs like rosemary or fresh herbs if they are available. This adds a nice personal touch to the dish.

How Do I Get My Chicken Perfectly Seared?

Searing is important to keep your chicken juicy and flavorful! Here’s how to do it right:

• Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This helps create that golden crust.
• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels – moisture is the enemy of searing! A dry chicken will get nicely browned.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan. If needed, cook in batches to ensure even cooking.
• Don’t move the chicken around too much. Let it sit and form a crust—typically about 3-4 minutes per side.

Easy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
• 1 medium yellow squash, sliced into half-moons
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
• Juice of half a lemon (optional, for brightness)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes total, including cooking time. So, in about 35-40 minutes, you’ll have a delicious and healthy meal ready to serve!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will give you a nice, hot environment for baking the chicken and veggies.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

Use paper towels to pat the chicken breasts dry. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. This will help enhance the flavor of the chicken.

3. Sear the Chicken:

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for later.

4. Sauté the Garlic:

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn.

5. Cook the Vegetables:

Now, add the sliced zucchini and yellow squash to the skillet. Season them with salt, pepper, the remaining Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Stir everything well to coat the veggies in the oil and garlic.

6. Combine and Bake:

Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the zucchini and squash. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (165°F or 75°C) and the vegetables are tender.

7. Finish and Serve:

Once it’s done, remove the skillet from the oven. If you want, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish for an extra burst of flavor. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.

8. Enjoy Your Meal:

Serve warm, either on its own or with a side of rice or crusty bread. Enjoy your delicious and healthy meal!

Bon appétit!

FAQ: Easy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash

Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap in your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Bell peppers, asparagus, or broccoli work great, just keep in mind that cooking times may vary for different veggies.

How Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?

This recipe is naturally dairy-free! Just be sure that the olive oil you’re using is pure and contains no hidden dairy ingredients. The lemon juice adds brightness, so it enhances the dish without any dairy.

How to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or broth for moisture.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken and chop the vegetables a few hours in advance. Just keep everything separately stored in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, follow the cooking instructions as usual. This makes dinner even more convenient!