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Garlic Chicken & Zucchini Skillet Meal

This Garlic Chicken & Zucchini Skillet Meal is a quick and flavorful one-pan dinner made with juicy chicken, fresh zucchini, garlic, Italian herbs, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a healthy, protein-packed meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. If you love creamy garlic parmesan chicken but want a lighter version, this easy skillet recipe delivers rich garlic-Parmesan flavor without a heavy sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 medium zucchini sliced into half-moons
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice optional
  • Optional Add-Ins
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Method
 

  1. Season the chicken with the Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet.
  5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  6. Add the zucchini (and any optional vegetables) and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together.
  8. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the mixture and stir until melted and evenly coated.
  9. Add the lemon juice, if using, and garnish with fresh parsley.
  10. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and provides the best flavor.
  • Avoid overcooking the zucchini to keep it slightly crisp.
  • For a creamier version, stir in ¼ cup heavy cream during the final minute of cooking.
  • Yellow squash can be substituted for half of the zucchini.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.