Description
Zesty lemon herb chicken dances through this quick, mouthwatering one-pan meal that brings Mediterranean flavors to your weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken and crisp vegetables blend seamlessly, promising a delightful dinner you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Fresh Vegetables and Herbs:
- 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Seasonings and Fats:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Gather and prep ingredients by washing zucchini, slicing into rounds, halving cherry tomatoes, and mincing garlic. Ensure chicken breasts are patted completely dry.
- Create a robust seasoning blend combining salt, pepper, Italian herbs, and optional red pepper flakes. Thoroughly coat both sides of chicken breasts with this aromatic mixture.
- Preheat large skillet to medium-high heat, adding olive oil and butter. Carefully place seasoned chicken into hot pan, cooking approximately 4-5 minutes per side until achieving golden-brown exterior and reaching 165°F internal temperature. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.
- Utilize same skillet for vegetables, adding additional olive oil if needed. Quickly sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds, then introduce zucchini and cherry tomatoes. Stir periodically, allowing vegetables to soften and develop caramelized edges over 3-4 minutes.
- Reunite chicken with sautéed vegetables in skillet. Generously drizzle fresh lemon juice across entire dish, strategically placing lemon slices for enhanced citrus infusion. Allow ingredients to meld together for an additional minute.
- Elevate presentation by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over completed dish. Serve immediately, complementing with optional accompaniments like rice, quinoa, or rustic bread.
Notes
- Ensure chicken reaches exact internal temperature using a meat thermometer to guarantee safe, juicy meat without overcooking.
- Swap zucchini with alternative vegetables like bell peppers or asparagus for variety and different nutritional profiles.
- Customize spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or adding smoked paprika for deeper flavor complexity.
- Create a gluten-free version by serving over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional grains.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg