Sautéed chicken zucchini is a simple yet satisfying dish that brings together the freshness of zucchini with the protein power of chicken. This recipe reminds me of summer evenings, sitting on the porch, enjoying the warmth and flavors of the season. It’s a versatile dish, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a light weekend lunch. The beauty of sautéed chicken zucchini lies in its simplicity and the ability to adapt it to your own taste. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and effortless cooking.
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Why You Will Love This sautéed chicken zucchini Recipe
This sautéed chicken zucchini recipe is designed for comfort and speed. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights. The combination of tender chicken and slightly crisp zucchini is incredibly flavorful, especially when seasoned with garlic and herbs. What makes it truly special is its simplicity; it’s an easy way to get a nutritious and delicious meal on the table without any fuss. Plus, it’s a great way to use up that summer zucchini bounty!
Here’s a recipe that will win you over with its delightful flavors and ease of preparation. I find myself making this recipe weekly as it is a crowd pleaser. You might love it too. Don’t forget to check out my other recipes, such as Creamy Marsala Chicken for another fantastic chicken dish.
Ingredients Needed for This sautéed chicken zucchini Recipe
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Zucchini: 2 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Onion: 1/2 medium, chopped
- Dried Italian Herbs: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Red pepper flakes to taste
How to Make This sautéed chicken zucchini Recipe
- Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned, turning occasionally. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the Zucchini: Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.
- Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the zucchini. Stir in the lemon juice. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley (and red pepper flakes, if desired). Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Serve This sautéed chicken zucchini Recipe
This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve sautéed chicken zucchini over rice, quinoa, or pasta for a complete meal. It’s also delicious served on its own with a side salad. Consider topping it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. To keep things low carb, pair it with cauliflower rice.
How to Store This sautéed chicken zucchini Recipe
- Refrigeration: Store leftover sautéed chicken zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While freezing is not ideal due to the zucchini’s texture, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 month. The zucchini may become a bit mushy upon thawing.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until heated through or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Tips to Make This sautéed chicken zucchini Recipe
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Success Tips: Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken or zucchini. Work in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid: Overcooking the zucchini can make it mushy. Aim for a tender-crisp texture. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pro Tips: Marinating the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking can enhance the flavor. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the dish.
Helpful Notes for This sautéed chicken zucchini Recipe
For the best flavor, use fresh, high quality ingredients. If you are using frozen zucchini, thaw it completely and pat it dry before adding it to the skillet and consider that the final texture might be softer. Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Feel free to add more or less herbs and spices. For more tasty chicken ideas, consider checking Saucy Bbq Chicken Sandwiches.
Variation of This sautéed chicken zucchini Recipe
- Seasonal Twists: In the fall, add diced apple or butternut squash for a seasonal variation. In the spring, add asparagus or snap peas.
- Optional Versions: Make it spicy by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Creative Modifications: Add a creamy sauce by stirring in a spoonful of cream cheese or heavy cream at the end. Think about using pesto to create a unique flavor profile. Need more ideas? Grilled Chicken Caesar Sandwich is another great recipe to try!
How do you keep zucchini from getting soggy when sautéing?
To prevent soggy zucchini, avoid overcrowding the pan and sauté it over medium-high heat. Salting the zucchini beforehand and patting it dry also helps remove excess moisture.
What are some good seasonings for sautéed chicken zucchini?
Good seasonings include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to this sautéed chicken zucchini recipe?
Yes, absolutely! Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes are all excellent additions to this dish. Simply add them to the pan along with the zucchini.
What kind of chicken is best for sautéing with zucchini?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the most common and convenient choice. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy blending with the zucchini and other ingredients.
Conclusion
Sautéed chicken zucchini is a wholesome and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. This simple recipe highlights fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and an easy cooking method anyone can master. Give this sautéed chicken zucchini recipe a try tonight and enjoy a healthy, satisfying dish the whole family will love.
For the full recipe, tips, and more comforting meals, visit: Recipes Charming
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Sautéed Chicken Zucchini: Easy Skillet Recipe Tonight!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick and easy sautéed chicken zucchini recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. Tender chicken and crisp zucchini cooked with garlic and herbs make this a flavorful and healthy dish. Ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubesn2 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch roundsn2 tablespoons olive oiln3 cloves garlic, mincedn1/2 medium onion, choppedn1 teaspoon dried Italian herbsn1/2 teaspoon saltn1/4 teaspoon black peppern1 tablespoon lemon juicen2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)nOptional: Red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.nHeat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned, turning occasionally. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.nAdd the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.nAdd the sliced zucchini to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.nReturn the cooked chicken to the skillet with the zucchini. Stir in the lemon juice. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.nGarnish with fresh parsley (and red pepper flakes, if desired). Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: chicken, zucchini, healthy, easy, weeknight