Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet

Introduction

If you’re looking for low cholesterol chicken recipes that are delicious, easy, and packed with nutrients, this Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet is the perfect dish for you. It’s a one pan chicken and vegetables meal that’s simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, it fits into many dietary lifestyles, including low carb no sugar meals, whole food dinner ideas, and easy heart-healthy meals. This high-protein, nutrient-dense recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan meal – Less mess, fewer dishes, and easy cleanup.
• Low cholesterol & heart-healthy – Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables.
• Perfect for families – Great for those looking for low carb dinner recipes for family.
• Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
• High in protein – A great choice for those looking for high protein easy dinners.

Ingredients for Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Vegetables:

• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

 

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

1. Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and oregano.
2. Wash and chop the vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

1. Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This helps create a flavorful base for the chicken.
2. Next, add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet. Stir occasionally and allow them to cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
3. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside while preparing the vegetables.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

1. To continue, use the same skillet and add another tablespoon of olive oil to retain all the rich flavors.
2. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Then, incorporate the zucchini, bell peppers, red onion, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme, then stir well.
5. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender-crisp.

4. Combine and Finish the Dish

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix it with the vegetables.
2. Pour the sauce over the mixture and stir to coat evenly.
3. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
4. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

• Plate the skillet meal and enjoy it hot.
• Pair it with quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for added texture.
• Serve with a side salad for extra greens.

Variations of Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet

1. Mediterranean Chicken Skillet

• Swap balsamic vinegar for red wine vinegar.
• Add olives and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
• Include sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth of flavor.

2. Spicy Cajun Chicken Skillet

• Use Cajun seasoning instead of Italian seasoning.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Toss in some Andouille sausage for a Creole-inspired dish.

3. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Skillet

• Stir in ¼ cup of Greek yogurt for a creamy sauce.
• Top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
• Add mushrooms for a richer umami flavor.

4. Asian-Inspired Chicken and Vegetables

• Replace balsamic vinegar with soy sauce.
• Add sesame seeds and a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick.
• Include bok choy or snap peas for an authentic Asian taste.

5. Low-Carb Keto Version

• Reduce the onions and tomatoes to lower the carb content.
• Add more low-carb vegetables like spinach and mushrooms.
• Use ghee or avocado oil for a keto-friendly fat source.

6. Mexican-Style Chicken Skillet

• Replace balsamic vinegar with lime juice.
• Add black beans, corn, and avocado for a Tex-Mex twist.
• Top with shredded cheddar or cotija cheese.

7. Indian-Spiced Chicken Skillet

• Use garam masala and turmeric in the seasoning blend.
• Add coconut milk for a creamy texture.
• Serve with cauliflower rice or naan bread.

8. Italian Chicken Skillet

• Replace balsamic vinegar with white wine vinegar.
• Add cherry tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella for an Italian touch.
• Stir in some whole grain pasta for a complete meal.

1. Mediterranean Chicken Skillet

• Swap balsamic vinegar for red wine vinegar.
• Add olives and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.

2. Spicy Cajun Chicken Skillet

• Use Cajun seasoning instead of Italian seasoning.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.

3. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Skillet

• Stir in ¼ cup of Greek yogurt for a creamy sauce.
• Top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

4. Asian-Inspired Chicken and Vegetables

• Replace balsamic vinegar with soy sauce.
• Add sesame seeds and a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick.

5. Low-Carb Keto Version

• Reduce the onions and tomatoes to lower the carb content.
• Add more low-carb vegetables like spinach and mushrooms.

Best Side Dishes for Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet

This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many sides, especially if you’re looking for low cholesterol meals dinner ideas. Here are some great options:

• Cauliflower Rice – A great low carb no sugar meals alternative to regular rice.
• Quinoa Salad – Adds a nutty flavor and boosts protein.
• Steamed Asparagus – Light and perfect for an extra veggie boost.
• Whole Grain Bread – Complements the dish with a hearty side.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Balances the meal with a natural sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

6. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Bone-in chicken will add more flavor but may require a longer cooking time.

7. What other vegetables can I use?

You can add mushrooms, green beans, Brussels sprouts, or even kale for added nutrition.

8. How do I make this dish dairy-free?

Simply omit any cheese and replace Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt for a creamy alternative.

9. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes! Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

10. What’s the best way to reheat this meal?

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best results or use a microwave for convenience.

1. Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess water before cooking.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat.

3. How can I make this dish even lower in cholesterol?

Use only egg whites if adding eggs, replace olive oil with avocado oil, and increase the veggie-to-chicken ratio.

4. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Divide it into portions and store in meal prep containers for a week of low cholesterol recipes dinner easy.

5. What are some other protein options?

You can use turkey, tofu, or shrimp as alternatives to chicken.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Chicken and Vegetables Skillet is a powerhouse meal that delivers big on flavor while keeping things low cholesterol and heart-healthy. Whether you’re looking for whole food dinner ideas, low carb dinner recipes for family, or easy heart-healthy meals, this dish fits the bill. Give it a try today, and enjoy a meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!