Lemon Parmesan Chicken With Zucchini and Squash
Chances are if you’re growing a garden or live by someone growing a garden, then right about now you have a bunch of zucchini and squash you need to use up. This healthy chicken recipe is the perfect use for it! My brother, sister and mother-in-law all have gardens (I’m failing this year, someday I need to make time a grow a real deal garden. Last year I had one small box garden, I felt pretty cool) but they are are all generously sharing so much from their gardens (thank you!). My brother was just telling me how quickly the zucchini and squash grow and he said he planted way too many, so lucky for me I get a bunch of them too. This skillet chicken recipe will be a new go-to use for all the summer squash and zucchini for me. This lemon Parmesan chicken recipe is about as easy as it gets! Just some quick dicing for prep, then the chicken cooks in about 6 minutes and you set that aside and in the same skillet saute the zucchini and squash for about 4 minutes. This is how you do simple weeknight dinners! Just be careful not to overcook the veggies as they will go from perfectly tender to mush in what seems like the blink of an eye. I just can’t get enough of these buttery-herb and lemony, garlic-Parmesan flavors! Make it soon, you’ll be glad you did!
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Lemon Parmesan Chicken Ingredients
For the chicken and zucchini skillet, you’ll need:
Chicken breasts Olive oil Butter Salt and pepper Herbs and spices (Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder) Lemon zest and juice Zucchini Yellow squash Shredded Parmesan Fresh parsley
How to Cook Chicken in a Skillet
Season diced chicken with herbs, spices and lemon zest, then cook in hot skillet with olive oil and butter. Transfer cooked chicken to plate and tent with foil to keep warm. Sauté zucchini and squash in that same skillet, seasoning with the same blend of herbs and spices. Return chicken to pan and drizzle in lemon juice. Sprinkle on Parmesan and garnish with fresh parsley, then toss to combine. Serve with your choice of rice, orzo, pasta, and more!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Yes, you can use any cut of chicken you’d like here. I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken in this recipe, but feel free to use whatever you see fit. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cook time slightly depending on how large you dice the chicken and what cut of meat you use.
Can I Add More Veggies to This Chicken Skillet?
Of course! Lemon Parmesan chicken pairs well with almost any vegetable. I recommend using seasonal produce that cooks at roughly the same rate as the zucchini and squash (that way you’re not having to take ingredients in and out of the skillet to accommodate different cook times).
Tips for the Best Skillet Chicken and Veggies
Before cooking the chicken, dab it dry — preferably on both sides — and use a hot skillet. Try to give the pieces some space so you can get that nice golden brown sear for added flavor. Use shredded Parmesan cheese for the best texture and flavor, and not the cheese that comes in a shaker can. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest, freshest flavor.
More Healthy Chicken Recipes You’ll Love:
Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa Sheet Pan Hawaiian Chicken Honey Lime Chicken Skewers Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
