One Pot Chicken and Vegetables Skillet

This One Pot Chicken and Vegetables Skillet is the epitome of convenience and flavor, offering a wholesome and nutritious meal in just 30 minutes. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights when you want something quick, healthy, and satisfying. The chicken is perfectly seasoned with Cajun spices, then sautéed until golden brown, while the colorful vegetables—zucchini, bell peppers, and broccoli—are tender and bursting with flavor. The addition of chicken broth deglazes the pan, infusing the dish with savory goodness. Plus, with minimal clean-up required, this recipe is as easy to prepare as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pot Wonder

This recipe makes cooking and cleaning easier by using just one skillet, meaning less time spent on washing up and more time enjoying your meal.

2. Quick and Easy

With a prep time of only 10 minutes and a total cooking time of 15 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you’re short on time but still want something flavorful.

3. Packed with Flavor

The combination of Cajun seasoning and chicken broth creates a rich and bold flavor that complements the juicy chicken and tender vegetables perfectly.

4. Healthy and Nutritious

This dish is loaded with fresh vegetables and lean chicken breast, making it a healthy, low-carb meal that’s full of vitamins and protein.

5. Customizable

Feel free to adjust the vegetables to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. You can swap in other veggies like carrots, spinach, or green beans for variety.

Ingredients

• Skinless, boneless chicken breast
• Zucchini
• Red bell peppers
• Broccoli crown
• Onion
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil
• Cajun seasoning
• Low-sodium chicken broth
• Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
• Red chili pepper flakes (optional)

Variations

• Vegetable Variations: Swap out the zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli for other vegetables like mushrooms, asparagus, or carrots.
• Spice Level: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your desired level of heat, or add more red chili flakes for an extra spicy kick.
• Protein Options: You can replace the chicken with shrimp, turkey breast, or tofu for a different protein choice.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and Cajun seasoning. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, stir-fry the sliced onion for 2 minutes until softened. Add the broccoli florets, zucchini slices, and chopped bell peppers. Season with additional Cajun seasoning and cook until the vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Add Chicken Broth

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This will infuse the dish with even more flavor.

Step 5: Combine the Chicken and Vegetables

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix everything together. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through and well combined with the vegetables.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the dish with fresh chopped parsley and red chili flakes, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious one-pot meal!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Even Cooking: Ensure that the chicken is cut into even-sized pieces to promote uniform cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: If your skillet is too small, cook the chicken and vegetables in batches to avoid overcrowding, which could result in uneven cooking.
• Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, use less Cajun seasoning or omit the chili flakes.

How to Serve

This One Pot Chicken and Vegetables Skillet can be served on its own for a light and healthy meal. If you’d like to add a little more substance, consider serving it over a bed of rice or quinoa, or pairing it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 2 months. Allow the skillet to cool completely, then transfer the contents to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, place the leftovers in a skillet over low heat and add a splash of chicken broth to keep the dish moist. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen vegetables can be used, but fresh vegetables will provide a better texture and flavor.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts. They will be slightly juicier and more flavorful.

3. Can I use other seasonings instead of Cajun seasoning?

Yes, you can use other seasonings such as Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or a combination of garlic powder and onion powder for a different flavor profile.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and vegetables in advance, but it’s best to combine them just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

5. Can I add cheese to this dish?

For a cheesy version, sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken and vegetables towards the end of cooking, and allow it to melt.

6. Is this dish spicy?

The level of spiciness depends on how much Cajun seasoning and chili flakes you use. You can adjust the spice level to your preference.

7. Can I make this recipe without the chicken broth?

If you prefer a drier dish, you can omit the chicken broth, but it helps create a flavorful sauce and deglazes the skillet.

8. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and no longer pink on the inside. An internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) is a good indicator of doneness.

9. Can I use other vegetables?

Yes, feel free to swap out the vegetables with whatever you prefer or have on hand, such as carrots, asparagus, or spinach.

10. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Conclusion

One Pot Chicken and Vegetables Skillet is a simple, flavorful, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal ingredients and just one pot to clean, this dish is not only easy to make but also delicious and versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or spice levels, making it a great option for any family dinner.

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