Easy Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep this dish light and healthy. For variety, try using turkey breast or chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor. You could also tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

Zucchini & Yellow Squash: Both add texture and color! If you can’t find yellow squash, you can use more zucchini or substitute with bell peppers or eggplant for a different flavor.

Orzo: This tiny pasta fits nicely in this dish. If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, quinoa or rice works well. Other small pasta shapes like couscous or small shells will also suit this recipe.

Olive Oil: Olive oil enhances flavor and helps with cooking. You can swap it for avocado oil or canola oil if you prefer a different taste or need a higher smoke point.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a wonderful umami richness. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast is a great alternative for a cheesy flavor without the cheese.

How Do You Perfectly Cook Chicken for This Dish?

Cooking chicken correctly is key to a flavorful and juicy result. Follow these steps for chicken that’s just right:

• Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Season the chicken well to boost flavor—salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs are great choices.
• Heat your skillet to medium-high before adding oil. Once hot, add the chicken, spacing out the pieces to avoid steaming.
• Cook for 5-7 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
• Let the cooked chicken rest for a minute after removing from the skillet. This helps retain juices for a tender bite.

These tips ensure your chicken is delicious and cooked perfectly every time! Enjoy your meal!

Easy Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds
• 1 medium yellow squash, sliced into rounds
• 1 cup orzo or orzo-shaped pasta (or substitute with rice as desired)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or mixed herbs
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Time Estimate:

This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You spend around 10 minutes getting everything ready and another 20 minutes actually cooking the dish to perfection. It’s a quick and nutritious option for any night of the week!

Instructions:

1. Cook the Orzo:

Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the orzo. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain it and set aside for later.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

While the orzo is cooking, take the bite-sized chicken pieces and place them in a mixing bowl. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Toss everything well so the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings.

3. Cook the Chicken:

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

4. Cook the Vegetables:

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced zucchini and yellow squash, sautéing them for about 4-5 minutes. You want them to be tender yet still slightly crispy—yum!

5. Combine Everything:

Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the vegetables. Gently stir everything together and let it warm through for another 1-2 minutes. This lets all those delicious flavors marry together!

6. Assemble the Dish:

To serve, spoon the chicken and vegetable mixture over the cooked orzo in individual bowls. Finish it off with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and some chopped parsley for color and flavor.

7. Garnish and Serve:

Place a few lemon wedges alongside each serving for squeezing over the top—this adds a bright, fresh zing! Your dish is now ready to enjoy. Dig in and savor this healthy, colorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!

This dish offers a nutritious balance of lean protein and fresh veggies, with an easy prep time perfect for weeknight dinners!

FAQ

Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Zucchini and Squash?

Absolutely! If you want to switch it up, bell peppers, broccoli, or asparagus make great substitutes. Just adjust cooking times as some veggies may take longer or shorter to cook.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover chicken and vegetables in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or over low heat on the stove until heated through.

Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?

Yes! You can easily leave out the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

What Can I Serve This With?

This dish is delicious served over orzo, but you could also pair it with rice, quinoa, or even a bed of greens for a salad-like meal. A side of crusty bread would also complement it well!