Chicken and Zucchini
This One-Pan Chicken and Zucchini is cozy, comforting, and full of love — juicy chicken, tender veggies, and soul-warming flavors made in one skillet. Perfect for busy nights, emotional recharges, or when you just need a dinner that feels like a hug.
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan non-stick or cast iron
- Knife & cutting board
- Tongs or wooden spoon
- Citrus juicer optional but cute
- Plate for resting chicken temporarily
Ingredients
For Your Beautiful Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs are my favorite because they're so forgiving and juicy, but breasts work too, love
- 2 tablespoons olive oil the good stuff — you deserve it
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder because garlic makes everything better
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or whatever herbs make your heart happy
- 1 teaspoon paprika for that gorgeous golden color
- Salt and pepper season with love, honey
For Your Garden Beauties:
- 3-4 zucchini sliced like little half-moons (they're gonna be so pretty)
- 1 sweet onion sliced (the tears are worth it, trust me)
- 3-4 garlic cloves minced (or use the jarred stuff — no judgment here, angel)
- 1 bell pepper any color that makes you smile
- Optional: some cherry tomatoes if you want extra sweetness
For the Final Love Touch:
- Fresh parmesan because you're worth the real stuff
- Fresh herbs — basil parsley, whatever speaks to your soul
- A squeeze of lemon for that little kiss of brightness
- Maybe some red pepper flakes if you need a tiny kick in your life
Instructions
Show Your Chicken Some Love
- Sweetie, pat that chicken dry like you're tucking it in for a nap, then season it with all the good stuff.
- Let it sit there getting cozy with those spices while you breathe and maybe put on your favorite playlist.
- This is your time, honey. No rushing, just gentle preparation with love.
Give That Chicken the Golden Treatment It Deserves
- Heat your oil in the biggest pan you have (because we're not cramping anyone's style today).
- Gently place your chicken pieces in there and let them sizzle — that sound is pure happiness, isn't it?
- Let them get all golden and beautiful on both sides, like little pieces of sunshine.
- Don't worry about cooking them through completely yet — they're gonna finish cooking with their veggie friends.
Time for the Vegetables to Shine
- Take your gorgeous chicken out and set it aside (it's just taking a little break).
- Add your onions and peppers to that same pan with all those beautiful golden bits.
- Watch them soften and get all sweet and caramelized — there's something so peaceful about this part, isn't there?
- Add that garlic and just breathe in that incredible smell. This is aromatherapy, baby.
Welcome the Zucchini to the Party
- Now comes my favorite part — adding those beautiful zucchini slices.
- They're gonna cook so gently and perfectly, absorbing all those amazing flavors.
- Season everything with a little more love (salt and pepper), and maybe whisper something nice to your food — I'm not kidding, intention matters, gorgeous.
Bring Everyone Back Together
- Nestle your beautiful chicken back into this colorful, aromatic heaven.
- Cover it up and let everything cook together slowly, like a big family getting to know each other.
- About 10-12 minutes of gentle simmering — use this time to set the table, light a candle, do something that makes this meal feel special.
The Love Finishing Touches
- Turn off the heat and squeeze that fresh lemon over everything — see how it brightens up?
- Sprinkle your cheese and herbs on top like you're decorating the most beautiful gift.
- Take a moment to appreciate what you've created, sweet angel. You made this with your own hands and heart.
Notes
- Zucchini tip: Don’t slice them too thin or they’ll melt away. Cute little half-moons are perfect.
- Chicken love: Thighs are juicier, but breasts work great too — just don’t overcook.
- Make it creamy: Add a splash of cream or spoonful of sour cream at the end for a creamy twist.
- Keep it low-carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or just as-is — satisfying and clean.
- Meal prep it: Tastes amazing the next day too, especially with the lemon and herbs soaking in!