This Easy Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini Skillet is a flavorful dish that’s quick to prepare! Juicy chicken meets fresh zucchini, all tied together with zesty lemon and cheesy goodness.
This meal is not only tasty but also brings a nice splash of color to your table. I love how it all cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini and Yellow Squash: Fresh zucchini and yellow squash give this dish a great texture. If you can’t find them, feel free to swap them for bell peppers or asparagus. They’ll still taste great!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. For a change, you could use thighs for a bit more flavor or even shrink down the recipe using shrimp or tofu for a lighter option.
Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances flavors beautifully. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder works, but fresh has the best taste. I always prefer fresh when cooking!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds richness. For a different flavor, you could use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free twist. Just remember that nutritional yeast has a unique flavor on its own!
How Can I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Chicken?
The key to juicy, perfectly cooked chicken is not to rush it. Here’s how to get the best results:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken; this helps sear and lock in moisture.
- Cook in a single layer without overcrowding the pan, so the pieces brown evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken is cooked to 165°F. This guarantees it’s safe to eat while keeping it deliciously moist!
Following these tips will help you serve chicken that’s both flavorful and tender, making your dish even more enjoyable!
Easy Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 2 medium yellow squash, sliced
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook from start to finish, making it a perfect quick and healthy meal for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Chicken:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the bite-sized chicken pieces into the skillet. Season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, carefully remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced zucchini and yellow squash. Season with a bit of salt and pepper, then cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and have started to brown slightly.
3. Add Garlic and Combine:
Next, add the minced garlic to the vegetables in the skillet and sauté everything together for about 1 minute until the garlic smells fragrant. Then, add the previously cooked chicken back into the skillet. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest to brighten up the flavors.
4. Sprinkle the Cheese:
Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together in the skillet until the cheese melts slightly and everything is well combined.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm and enjoy your delightful lemon Parmesan chicken with zucchini!
This recipe is simple, healthy, and bursting with flavor—perfect for a quick family dinner!
FAQ for Easy Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini Skillet
Can I Substitute the Chicken with a Different Protein?
Absolutely! You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option, or even shrimp or tofu for a lighter, vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through properly!
What Can I Use Instead of Zucchini and Yellow Squash?
If you can’t find zucchini or yellow squash, feel free to use other vegetables like bell peppers, asparagus, or even broccoli. Just chop them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through. You might want to add a splash of lemon juice for freshness!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauté the vegetables ahead of time. Just keep them separate in the fridge and combine them with the lemon and cheese mixture just before serving for the best texture and flavor!
