Description
This Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini and Squash is a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection with a zesty lemon-Parmesan sauce, complemented by sautéed zucchini and yellow squash. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t sacrifice taste or nutrition.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 2 medium yellow squash, sliced into half-moons
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Garnish
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness if needed to ensure even cooking. Season both sides of the chicken evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper to infuse the meat with flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the sliced zucchini, yellow squash, and minced garlic, then sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender yet still crisp.
- Create the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth along with the lemon juice and zest. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen any flavorful browned bits. Let the mixture simmer briefly to combine the flavors.
- Combine and finish: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the cheese melts and the chicken is reheated through.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving for a fresh, herbal finish. Serve immediately, optionally with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to complement the lemon-Parmesan sauce.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter with the chicken broth during the sauce step.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful lemon-Parmesan sauce.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Feel free to substitute fresh vegetables according to season or preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with vegetables
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
