When you’re craving a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen, this simple chicken skillet recipe is here to save the day. It’s a delicious, fuss-free dish that comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners with family and friends.
You’ll love how this recipe combines juicy, tender chicken with vibrant sautéed vegetables, all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup. The simple chicken skillet is a flavorful, satisfying meal that anyone can make with just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes
- Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand
- One-pan cooking saves time on cleanup
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or spices
- Delicious, juicy chicken with vibrant, tender vegetables
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients for a flavorful and balanced simple chicken skillet dinner.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
How to Make Delicious and Simple Recipe
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Sauté sliced bell peppers and onion over medium heat until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the vegetables. Cover and cook for 3-5 minutes to let flavors meld and chicken finish cooking.
- Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Results
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a nice sear and crisp exterior.
- Use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness for juicy, safe-to-eat results.
- Add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for more variety.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes off the heat before slicing to retain juices.
- If chicken breasts are thick, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets for even cooking.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover chicken skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the vegetables from becoming soggy, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a cover to retain moisture.
You can freeze cooked chicken and vegetables separately or together for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave to maintain texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work well and add extra juiciness. Adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
What can I serve with this simple chicken skillet?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices. A side salad or roasted potatoes also complement it nicely.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those avoiding gluten.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes when seasoning the chicken or toss some sliced jalapeños in with the bell peppers while sautéing.
