Chicken and Zucchini Recipe Recipe

Hey there my friend 👋. You are about to make the best chicken and zucchini dish. The secret? The right balance of seasoning and cooking time.

Oh, and I have a trick that will keep your chicken juicy and your zucchini from turning into a mushy mess. Let’s get into it.

Utensils You Need

These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe.

  1. Cutting board
  2. Sharp knife
  3. Large skillet or frying pan
  4. Wooden spoon or spatula
  5. Measuring cups and spoons
  6. Mixing bowl

Important Info

  • Servings: 4 plates
  • Estimated Cost to make this recipe: Around $10, depending on your location
  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Cook time: 15 minutes
  • Total time: 25 minutes
  • Calories per serving: About 320 kcal
  • Cook method: Stovetop
  • Season: Great all year round
  • Courses: Main Course
  • Cuisine: International
  • Diets: GlutenFreeDiet, LowCalorieDiet, LowFatDiet

How to Make Chicken and Zucchini Recipe

Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.

Ingredients You Need

  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for extra flavor)

Alternative Ingredients

If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.

IngredientAlternative
Chicken breastsChicken thighs
Olive oilButter or vegetable oil
Italian seasoningOregano + basil mix
Parmesan cheeseCheddar cheese
Soy sauceWorcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the chicken pieces to the pan. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to coat.
  3. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced zucchini.
  5. Season with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir and cook for 4-5 minutes until the zucchini is slightly tender but still firm.
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Drizzle with soy sauce and mix everything together. Let it cook for another 2 minutes so the flavors blend.
  7. If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the dish just before serving.
  8. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Helpful Tips

  1. Do not overcook the zucchini. It should be soft but still have a little bite.
  2. If your pan gets dry while cooking, add a splash of water or broth instead of more oil.
  3. Cut the chicken into even pieces so they cook at the same time.
  4. Want more sauce? Add a spoon of heavy cream or a bit of extra soy sauce.
  5. Let the chicken rest for a minute after cooking before mixing it with the zucchini. This keeps it juicy.

What to Serve with Chicken and Zucchini Recipe

This dish goes great with:

  • Steamed rice
  • Quinoa
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Pasta
  • Warm crusty bread

How Do You Serve the Recipe?

Serve it straight from the pan while it’s hot. If you like, you can sprinkle some extra cheese or chopped fresh parsley on top.

Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?

This meal is perfect for busy weeknights because it’s quick and easy. It also works well for meal prep since it stores well. You can pack it for lunch or serve it at casual family dinners.

Storage

Short-term Storage (Room Temperature)

  • If you’re serving it within 2 hours, just leave it in the pan and cover it with a lid.
  • If not, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate.

Refrigeration

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.

Freezing

  • If you want to store it for longer, freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
  • Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They are juicier and add more flavor to the dish. Just cut them into small pieces like the chicken breast.

How do I keep the zucchini from getting soggy?

Do not overcook it. Zucchini cooks fast, so remove it from the heat as soon as it becomes slightly tender.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes. You can add more red pepper flakes or even a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.

Is this a kid-friendly recipe?

Yes, kids love it, especially if you serve it with rice or pasta. If they don’t like spice, leave out the red pepper flakes.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, you can throw in bell peppers, mushrooms, or even cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor.