Notes
Ingredients (with measurements)
- 1 1/4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 Tbsp butter, divided (or more olive oil)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 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 zucchini (2 small), sliced, halved if wide
- 10 oz yellow squash (2 small), sliced, halved if wide
- 1/3 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese (or more to taste)
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Pat the chicken dry and season it generously with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon zest. Proper seasoning at this stage ensures flavorful chicken throughout.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- In the same skillet, add more olive oil and butter if needed. Cook the zucchini and squash with additional seasoning until just tender. This keeps the vegetables vibrant and slightly crisp.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, drizzle with fresh lemon juice, and toss everything together. Sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve warm with extra lemon zest if desired.
- This skillet chicken dish is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with orzo, rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. It also works great for meal prep lunches.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. You can also prep the chicken and vegetables ahead of time, making dinner even faster when you’re ready to cook.
- You can easily adjust this recipe to match your taste. Add red pepper flakes for heat, swap Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean spice blend, or toss in mushrooms or cherry tomatoes for extra vegetables. A sprinkle of mozzarella or feta can also change the flavor profile beautifully.