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A Healthy, Fast Chicken Dinner You’ll Actually Make Again

Updated: Dec 28, 2025

Some nights you want a meal that’s nourishing, flavorful, and on the table now—not after an hour of chopping and cleanup. This simple chicken recipe checks all the boxes: protein-packed, colorful, and ready in about 25 minutes.

It’s also endlessly flexible, which makes it ideal whether you’re cooking for one, two, or a house full of opinions.


Lemon Garlic Skillet Chicken with Veggies



Serves: 2–3Time: 25 minutes

Why you’ll love it: One pan, clean flavors, minimal prep

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • ½ teaspoon paprika

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1 small zucchini, sliced

  • 1 cup baby spinach

  • Optional: grated Parmesan or fresh herbs for topping


Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.

  2. Sear Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate and cover loosely.

  3. Build flavor Lower heat to medium. Add garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in lemon zest and juice.

  4. Add vegetables Add tomatoes and zucchini, cooking 3–4 minutes until just tender. Toss in spinach and stir until wilted.

  5. Finish Return chicken to the pan, spooning the lemony juices over the top. Heat for 1–2 minutes.

  6. Serve Sprinkle with Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.


Easy Serving Ideas

  • Over brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice

  • With a side of crusty whole-grain bread

  • On top of mixed greens for a warm salad


Why This Meal Works

  • High in protein to keep you satisfied

  • Full of vegetables without feeling heavy

  • Fast and unfussy, perfect for weeknights

  • Minimal cleanup, because no one loves dishes


Make It Your Own

  • Swap zucchini for broccoli or green beans

  • Use chicken thighs for extra richness

  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat


Healthy eating doesn’t need to be complicated. Sometimes the best meals are the ones that fit easily into real life—and still taste like something you’d happily make again tomorrow.


Print the recipe!


 
 
 

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