Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash Recipe
A light and healthy chicken breast recipe featuring tender zucchini and yellow squash, seasoned with Italian herbs and brightened with fresh lemon juice. Perfect for a quick, nutritious weeknight meal.
- Author: Naya
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Chicken
- 1 1/4 lbs boneless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables and Garnish
- 10 oz zucchini, sliced
- 10 oz yellow squash, sliced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
- Season the chicken. In a bowl, combine the diced chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Toss well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the spices.
- Heat the skillet. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to warm up until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook the chicken. Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on one side, letting them brown nicely before flipping them over and cooking for another 4-5 minutes until fully cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Add the vegetables. Stir in the sliced zucchini and yellow squash, mixing gently with the chicken. Sprinkle the remaining Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the mixture for additional flavor.
- Cook until tender. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp and vibrant.
- Finish with lemon and garnish. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lemon juice and zest to brighten the flavors. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh Italian seasoning or a blend of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary for the best flavor.
- For a lower fat version, reduce the olive oil or use a cooking spray.
- Chicken breasts can be replaced with chicken thighs if preferred, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
- Serve with a side of quinoa or brown rice for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: healthy chicken breast, zucchini squash chicken, lemon chicken recipe, Italian chicken skillet, low fat dinner