If you’re craving a quick, flavorful dinner, this lemon parmesan chicken skillet is the perfect choice. Packed with tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and squash, it’s a bright and satisfying one-pan meal that comes together effortlessly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh, zesty lemon flavor with savory parmesan
- One-pan meal for easy cleanup
- Family-friendly and weeknight-ready
- Balanced with protein and veggies
- Ready in under 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 Tbsp butter (or more olive oil)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
- 1 tsp garlic powder, divided
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp lemon zest, plus more for serving
- 10 oz zucchini, sliced
- 10 oz yellow squash, sliced
- 1/3 cup finely shredded parmesan
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon zest.
- Add butter to the skillet, then cook chicken for 3 minutes per side until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Add remaining oil and butter to the same skillet.
- Add zucchini and squash, season, and cook for about 4 minutes until tender.
- Return chicken to the pan and drizzle with lemon juice. Toss everything together.
- Sprinkle with parmesan and parsley. Serve warm with extra lemon zest if desired.
Tips & Tricks
- Cut chicken evenly for consistent cooking
- Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure proper browning
- Swap zucchini with broccoli or green beans
- Use freshly grated parmesan for better flavor
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary: Halal-friendly, gluten-free (without pasta)
Notes
- Serve over rice, pasta, or orzo for a complete meal
- Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier option
Nutrition (Approximate)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 22g
FAQ
1. Can I make this lemon parmesan chicken skillet ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook it ahead and reheat gently before serving.
2. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Fresh is best, but frozen works if thawed and drained.
3. What can I substitute for parmesan?
Try pecorino romano or a similar hard cheese.
4. How do I keep chicken from drying out?
Avoid overcooking and use medium-high heat.
5. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, replace butter with olive oil and skip parmesan.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in airtight container up to 3 days
- Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months
- Reheat: Warm in skillet or microwave until heated through
Similar Recipes
Lemon Parmesan Chicken Skillet with Zucchini
A quick lemon parmesan chicken skillet made with tender chicken, zucchini, and squash.Ready in 25 minutes in one pan.Perfect for a healthy and easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts diced
- 2 Tbsp olive oil divided
- 2 Tbsp butter or more olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tsp Italian seasoning divided
- 1 tsp garlic powder divided
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp lemon zest plus more for serving
- 10 oz zucchini sliced
- 10 oz yellow squash sliced
- 1/3 cup finely shredded parmesan
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon zest.
- Add butter to the skillet, then cook chicken for 3 minutes per side until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Add remaining oil and butter to the same skillet.
- Add zucchini and squash, season, and cook for about 4 minutes until tender.
- Return chicken to the pan and drizzle with lemon juice. Toss everything together.
- Sprinkle with parmesan and parsley. Serve warm with extra lemon zest if desired.
Notes
- Serve over rice, pasta, or orzo for a complete meal
- Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier option
Conclusion
This lemon parmesan chicken skillet is a simple yet vibrant dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for busy nights, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.