This Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini and Squash is a fresh, flavorful, and easy one-pan dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, vibrant zucchini, yellow squash, bright lemon, and savory parmesan come together in a light yet satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy one-pan dinner with minimal cleanup
- Packed with fresh lemon parmesan flavor
- Family-friendly and protein-rich
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Naturally low-carb and gluten-free
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-size pieces
- 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 Tbsp butter, divided
- 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 and halved if large
- 10 oz yellow squash, sliced and halved if large
- 1/3 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season with salt, black pepper, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon zest.
- Melt 1 tablespoon butter into the skillet with the olive oil.
- Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 3 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and loosely cover with foil.
- Add the remaining olive oil and butter to the same skillet.
- Add zucchini and yellow squash. Season with salt, remaining Italian seasoning, and remaining garlic powder.
- Cook the vegetables for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender-crisp.
- Return the chicken to the skillet.
- Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini and Squash and toss gently.
- Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
- Serve warm with extra lemon zest and parmesan if desired.
Tips & Tricks
- Cut chicken into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.
- Avoid overcooking zucchini and squash to maintain texture.
- Freshly grated parmesan melts better and adds more flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
- Serve over rice, quinoa, or orzo for a heartier meal.
- Swap chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs if preferred.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Gluten-Free, Low-Carb
Notes
- You can use all zucchini or all squash if needed.
- Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for easy lunches.
- Add spinach or asparagus for extra vegetables.
Nutrition
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
FAQ
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this skillet chicken recipe reheats very well and is ideal for meal prep.
Can I freeze Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini and Squash?
Yes, although the squash texture may soften slightly after thawing.
What can I serve with this recipe?
Serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this low-carb chicken skillet works well for many keto lifestyles.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals.
Similar Recipes
Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini and Squash
Tender chicken cooked with zucchini and yellow squash in a lemon parmesan sauce. A quick and easy one-pan dinner ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights and healthy family meals.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts diced into bite-size pieces
- 2 Tbsp olive oil divided
- 2 Tbsp butter divided
- 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 and halved if large
- 10 oz yellow squash sliced and halved if large
- 1/3 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season with salt, black pepper, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon zest.
- Melt 1 tablespoon butter into the skillet with the olive oil.
- Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 3 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and loosely cover with foil.
- Add the remaining olive oil and butter to the same skillet.
- Add zucchini and yellow squash. Season with salt, remaining Italian seasoning, and remaining garlic powder.
- Cook the vegetables for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender-crisp.
- Return the chicken to the skillet.
- Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini and Squash and toss gently.
- Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
- Serve warm with extra lemon zest and parmesan if desired.
Notes
- You can use all zucchini or all squash if needed.
- Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for easy lunches.
- Add spinach or asparagus for extra vegetables.
Conclusion
This Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini and Squash is the perfect balance of fresh, savory, and comforting flavors. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights while still feeling special enough to serve guests. With tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, bright lemon, and parmesan cheese, this easy skillet meal is guaranteed to become a regular favorite.