Italian Chicken and Vegetable Skillet

If you’re craving a hearty, wholesome dinner that comes together quickly in just one pan, this Italian Chicken and Vegetable Skillet is the answer. Bursting with bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors and loaded with fresh vegetables, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sunday dinners. With tender chicken, garlic, tomatoes, zucchini, and Italian herbs all simmering together, it’s comfort food made healthy — and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Chicken and Vegetable Skillet

One-skillet meals are a lifesaver for anyone looking to cut down on dishes without sacrificing flavor. This Italian-inspired version is especially crowd-pleasing because:

• It’s packed with lean protein and nutritious vegetables.
• The flavors are bright, savory, and satisfying.
• You can easily customize it with what’s in your fridge.
• It’s ready in under 30 minutes — yes, really!

Plus, if you’re a fan of dishes like Garlic Butter Chicken Rigatoni or Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce, this meal is bound to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This skillet is loaded with simple pantry and fresh items, making it both accessible and affordable. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs – Boneless, skinless cuts work best, diced for quicker cooking.
• Zucchini – Adds a mild sweetness and lovely texture.
• Cherry Tomatoes – Burst and blend beautifully into the sauce.
• Red Bell Pepper – For sweetness and color contrast.
• Red Onion – Offers depth and a bit of zing.
• Garlic – Fresh minced garlic infuses the dish with irresistible aroma.
• Olive Oil – For sautéing and enhancing that Mediterranean flavor.
• Italian Seasoning – A simple way to bring the herbs together.
• Salt & Pepper – To taste.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley – Optional, but highly recommended for garnish.

Want to boost the nutrition? Toss in some spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking. Or if you’re looking for something creamier, try pairing it with Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo on the side.

How to Make It

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning. Let it cook until it’s golden on the outside and just cooked through — about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed and toss in the onion, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook for 5 minutes until tender but still vibrant. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Simmer

Add in the cherry tomatoes and remaining Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.

Step 4: Return Chicken to the Skillet

Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and stir to coat everything evenly. Let it all simmer together for a few more minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley and serve warm. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread, pasta, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Tips for Success

• Cut the chicken evenly so it cooks uniformly.
• Don’t overcook the veggies — you want them tender-crisp, not mushy.
• Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
• If you love more heat, toss in some red pepper flakes.

Looking for another great way to use zucchini? This Skillet Sausage and Zucchini recipe is another winner for easy weeknight meals.

What to Serve with This Dish

While this meal can stand alone, it also plays well with a variety of sides and starters. Here are some ideas:

• Crusty Italian bread or garlic knots.
• A chilled glass of white wine.
• Goat Cheese Appetizer Spread on toasted crostini.
• A light salad or Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad for extra greens.

And if you’re hosting or want something fancy on the side, check out Parmesan Risotto with Lemon Butter Scallops. It’s the perfect upscale pairing.

Make It Your Own

The beauty of this Italian Chicken and Vegetable Skillet lies in its flexibility. Here’s how you can tweak it:

• Add pasta: Stir in some cooked penne or orzo at the end.
• Make it creamy: Add a splash of cream or top with mozzarella.
• Go dairy-free: Just skip the cheese and garnish with lemon zest for brightness.
• Add beans: White beans like cannellini or chickpeas would be right at home here.

Or switch things up completely and use seafood instead of chicken. Something like Asian Glazed Salmon Dinner could be a great inspiration for creating a seafood version of this skillet.

Storing and Reheating

Have leftovers? You’re in luck — this dish stores well!

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if it looks a little dry.
• Freeze: For best results, freeze without zucchini (it can become mushy). Use within 2 months.

This meal also works great as a prep-ahead option for lunches. Portion it into containers with some cooked rice or pasta and reheat when needed — similar to Chicken Rice Bowls with Garlic Sauce.

More Easy Dinner Ideas to Try

Love this dish? Here are more recipes to explore from our collection:

• Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken
• Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta
• Mexican Street Corn Chicken Bowl
• Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken
• Healthy Spicy Chicken and Roasted Vegetable Bowls

All of them follow a similar philosophy: big flavor, simple prep, and ingredients that don’t break the bank.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Chicken and Vegetable Skillet brings all the best elements of a comforting homemade dinner into one pan. It’s vibrant, nutrient-packed, and brimming with fresh Italian flavors that satisfy without weighing you down. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping ahead for the week, or just trying to clean out the fridge — this recipe fits the bill.

Bookmark it, share it, and serve it often. Once you taste it, you’ll see why this dish deserves a place in your weekly meal rotation.

For more appetizer and party snack inspiration to round out your meals or gatherings, don’t miss our reader-favorite Garlic Bread Ritz Bits or crave-worthy Crab Crunchies Snack. They’re quick, flavorful, and perfect for entertaining.

Looking for something a little sweet after dinner? You might love our White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Balls for a no-bake, no-fuss dessert idea.