Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash: A Simple, Flavorful Recipe for Beginners

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When you’re starting out in the kitchen, finding the right recipes to try can be daunting. You want something that’s easy to make, delicious, and healthy – but without a huge time commitment or a complicated list of ingredients. This Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash recipe is exactly what you’re looking for. It’s vibrant, quick, and packed with flavors that will impress your taste buds without overwhelming your cooking skills. And the best part? It’s incredibly adaptable, making it a perfect weeknight dinner for beginners.

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Cooking doesn’t have to be difficult or overwhelming, especially when you have a recipe that’s straightforward and requires only a handful of ingredients. This dish features lean chicken breast, tender zucchini and squash, and a delicious blend of seasonings that elevate the flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or preparing a meal for the family, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this healthy, satisfying dish!

Ingredients and Preparation

Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients ready to go. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 1/4 lbs boneless chicken breasts, diced into small pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, split into two parts
• 2 tablespoons butter, split (or use more olive oil if you prefer)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest, plus extra for garnish
• 10 oz. (2 small) zucchini, sliced (halve if thick)
• 10 oz. (2 small) yellow squash, sliced (halve if thick)
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or more, depending on your preference)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

This list is simple yet versatile, and you’ll likely have most of these ingredients already in your pantry or fridge. The chicken is the star of the dish, while the zucchini and squash provide a nice, light balance. The lemon zest and fresh lemon juice add a refreshing brightness, and the Parmesan and herbs bring everything together with savory depth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to cook! Follow these easy, beginner-friendly steps to make your Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash.

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

The first thing you want to do is season your chicken breast. This will add flavor and help create a delicious crust on the chicken when it cooks.

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. This will give you a nice base to cook the chicken.
2. While the skillet is heating, dab the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This is a simple but important step — if the chicken is too wet, it won’t brown properly.
3. Next, season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, onion powder, and the zest of one lemon. Toss everything together to ensure the chicken is evenly coated in the seasoning. You can also do this directly on your cutting board for convenience.

The key to seasoning chicken is making sure it’s well-coated. Don’t be shy with the spices; the chicken will absorb the flavors and cook up deliciously.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Now it’s time to cook the chicken.

1. Once your skillet is hot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. The butter will give the chicken a rich flavor, while the olive oil helps prevent the butter from burning.
2. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Let it cook for about 3 minutes on one side without moving it — this will help it develop a golden-brown crust.
3. Flip the chicken and cook for another 3 minutes on the other side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C), which indicates that it’s fully cooked.
4. Once the chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a plate and tent it with foil to keep it warm. You’ll return the chicken to the pan later, so don’t worry about keeping it perfectly hot.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

Now that the chicken is out of the pan, it’s time to cook the zucchini and squash. These vegetables cook quickly, and they’ll absorb some of the flavors from the chicken, which is great!

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Let the butter melt and get sizzling.
2. Add the sliced zucchini and yellow squash to the pan. Season the vegetables with salt, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
3. Cook the vegetables for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. They should become tender but still have a little bite to them. Be careful not to overcook them — they cook fast and you want them to stay vibrant and fresh.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

At this point, everything is almost ready to go.

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the zucchini and squash. Give everything a quick toss to combine, ensuring the flavors meld together.
2. Drizzle in the fresh lemon juice and toss again. This will add a fresh, tangy burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory chicken and vegetables.
3. Sprinkle the dish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. The Parmesan will melt slightly, adding a creamy, salty flavor to the dish, while the parsley adds a fresh, green pop of color.
4. Serve the dish warm, and if desired, garnish with more Parmesan and lemon zest for an extra touch of flavor.

Beginner Tips and Notes

As a beginner cook, there are a few things to keep in mind that will help you achieve the best results:

• Chicken Cooking Tip: The most important thing when cooking chicken is making sure it’s fully cooked through but not overdone. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the largest piece of chicken — it should be white all the way through, with no pink.
• Avoid Overcooking Vegetables: Zucchini and squash are very delicate vegetables, so they can turn mushy if cooked too long. Keep an eye on them, and stop cooking when they’re tender but still firm.
• Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to use salt and pepper — these basic seasonings will bring out the flavors of your ingredients. Taste as you go and adjust the seasonings as needed.
• Efficient Prep: To save time, you can chop your vegetables and chicken ahead of time. This way, you can get straight to cooking when you’re ready.
• Substituting Ingredients: If you don’t have zucchini or yellow squash, you can substitute other vegetables, such as bell peppers or asparagus. You can also use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or goat cheese, if you prefer.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is delicious on its own, but you can easily pair it with sides to make it even more filling. Here are a few ideas:

• Orzo: Serve the chicken and vegetables over a bed of cooked orzo pasta. The light, slightly chewy texture of the orzo complements the dish perfectly.
• Rice: If you’re in the mood for something heartier, serve the chicken and veggies with a side of brown rice or quinoa.
• Bread: A warm piece of crusty bread on the side can help soak up any extra sauce from the chicken and vegetables.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would be a great light accompaniment to balance the richness of the chicken and squash.

For leftovers, you can store the chicken and vegetables in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to help keep the dish moist.

Engagement Features

Cooking is all about having fun and experimenting in the kitchen. I encourage you to try this Healthy Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash recipe — and don’t forget to share your experience! Whether you stuck to the recipe exactly or made your own tweaks, I’d love to hear how it turned out.

Feel free to share your thoughts or any tips you learned along the way in the comments section. If you loved this dish, consider sharing it with your friends and family. Cooking is always more enjoyable when we share it with others!

Remember, cooking is a skill that gets easier with practice, so don’t be discouraged if something doesn’t turn out perfectly on your first try. Keep experimenting, and soon you’ll feel more confident in the kitchen!