Enjoy a fresh and flavorful meal with this Lemon Herb Chicken with Zucchini and Squash recipe. Perfectly seasoned chicken combined with tender vegetables makes for a quick, healthy, and delicious dinner option. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or a light, satisfying weekend meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-size pieces
- 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 Tbsp butter, divided (or more olive oil)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
- 1 tsp garlic powder, divided
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp lemon zest, plus more for serving
- 10 oz. (2 small) zucchini, sliced and halved if wider
- 10 oz. (2 small) yellow squash, sliced and halved if wider
- 1/3 cup finely shredded parmesan, or more to taste
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
Directions:
Prepare the Chicken
Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, 2 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon zest. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet along with 1 Tbsp butter. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side until the chicken is fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil and 1 Tbsp butter. Toss in the sliced zucchini and yellow squash, seasoning them with salt, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Cook for about 4 minutes until the vegetables are just tender.
Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and toss everything together. Garnish with finely shredded parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve immediately, with extra lemon zest if desired.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Servings: 4
Serving and Storage Tips :
Serving Tips
- Garnish and Presentation: Sprinkle extra lemon zest over the dish before serving to enhance the citrusy flavors. Arrange the chicken and vegetables on a platter and garnish with chopped parsley for a vibrant presentation.
- Side Dish Suggestions: Serve this dish with a side of fluffy rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can also complement the flavors well.
- Family Style: Consider serving this meal family-style in a large serving dish or skillet placed at the center of the table, allowing everyone to help themselves.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken and vegetables are cooled completely before storing to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2-3 months. Store in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the chicken and vegetables in a skillet over low to medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in short intervals, stirring in between, to avoid overheating.
- Meal Prep: Consider prepping components of this dish ahead of time, such as dicing the chicken and slicing the vegetables. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook for a quicker meal preparation.
Additional Tips
- Enhance Flavors: If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, increase the amount of lemon zest and fresh lemon juice when serving.
- Customize Seasonings: Adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice or experiment with different herbs like thyme or basil.
- Freshness Tip: For the best texture, cook the vegetables until just tender. Overcooking can lead to mushiness and loss of flavor.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can maximize the enjoyment of your Lemon Herb Chicken with Zucchini and Squash meal while efficiently managing leftovers for future meals.
Variations :
- Mediterranean Twist: Add chopped kalamata olives, diced tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese after cooking for a Mediterranean flair.
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan: Create a creamy sauce by adding 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet after cooking the chicken and vegetables. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle with a balsamic reduction or glaze just before serving for a tangy and slightly sweet touch.
- Spicy Cajun: Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning instead of Italian seasoning and add sliced bell peppers and onions for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Dill: Replace Italian seasoning with fresh dill and lemon thyme for a lighter, herbaceous flavor profile.
- Asian-inspired: Use soy sauce, ginger, and garlic instead of Italian seasoning. Add snow peas and bell peppers, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Herb Crust: Coat the chicken in a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs (such as parsley and thyme) before cooking for a crispy herb crust.
- One-Pan Bake: Layer sliced potatoes or sweet potatoes on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange seasoned chicken and vegetables on top, drizzle with olive oil, and bake until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender.
- Coconut Curry: Create a coconut curry sauce by adding coconut milk, curry powder, and a squeeze of lime juice to the skillet after cooking the chicken and vegetables. Simmer until flavors meld together.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and double the amount of zucchini and yellow squash. Add chickpeas or white beans for protein, and season with your favorite herbs and spices.
These variations offer exciting ways to customize your Lemon Herb Chicken with Zucchini and Squash dish, catering to different tastes and preferences while maintaining the dish’s delicious and nutritious qualities. Enjoy experimenting with these options to create new and flavorful meals!
FAQs:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
- Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts in this recipe. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure thorough cooking.
- How can I make this dish gluten-free?
- Ensure all seasonings and ingredients, including the Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese, are certified gluten-free. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs if making a variation with a crust.
- What can I substitute for butter in this recipe?
- You can use additional olive oil instead of butter if preferred. This will maintain a similar richness in flavor.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
- While best served fresh, you can prep ingredients ahead of time, such as chopping chicken and vegetables. Cook everything just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
- Chicken is cooked through when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. The juices should run clear when pierced with a knife.
- Can I adjust the level of lemon flavor in the dish?
- Yes, you can adjust the amount of lemon zest and juice according to your taste preferences. Start with less and add more gradually to achieve your desired level of citrus flavor.
- What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
- This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, couscous, or crusty bread. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or steamed vegetables also complement the flavors nicely.
- How can I make this dish spicier?
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick. You can also use a spicier variety of Italian seasoning or add chopped jalapeños.
- Can I freeze leftovers of Lemon Herb Chicken with Zucchini and Squash?
- Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- What can I do if my vegetables turn out too soft?
- To prevent overcooking, ensure you cook the vegetables just until they are tender-crisp. If they become too soft, reduce the cooking time or cook them over slightly higher heat for a shorter duration.
These FAQs address common queries about preparing, serving, and customizing Lemon Herb Chicken with Zucchini and Squash, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience for all levels of home chef
This Lemon Herb Chicken with Zucchini and Squash is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The zesty lemon, fragrant herbs, and tender chicken paired with fresh vegetables make this a must-try recipe for anyone seeking a quick and nutritious meal. Enjoy this vibrant dish with your family and friends, and savor the simplicity and deliciousness of a well-cooked meal.