Description
A quick, healthy, and versatile boneless skinless chicken breast recipe featuring simple, wholesome ingredients and fresh vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, this dish offers flavorful results in under 30 minutes with easy cleanup and family-friendly appeal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (natural) plus extra for cooking
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or basil)
Vegetables
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup fresh spinach
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or cilantro) for garnish
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Trim the chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and pat dry with a paper towel. Chop the vegetables and mince the garlic so all ingredients are ready before cooking.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil (natural), 2 tablespoons lemon juice (natural), minced garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Toss the chicken breasts in the marinade and let them sit for at least 15 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil (natural). Place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan for a perfect sear.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Remove the chicken and add the sliced bell pepper, zucchini, and spinach to the skillet. Stir frequently and cook for about 5 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Combine and Garnish: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet to mix with the vegetables. Sprinkle paprika and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Allow chicken to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking to prevent dryness.
- Cook chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to retain juices and improve tenderness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with vegetables
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: chicken breast, quick recipe, healthy chicken, sautéed vegetables, easy dinner, family-friendly