Chicken and Vegetable Skillet

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried Italian seasoning until well coated.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat Oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

1. Heat More Oil: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
3. Add Vegetables: Add the bell peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, and broccoli florets to the skillet. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

1. Return Chicken: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the vegetables.
2. Add Liquid: Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce (if using), and lemon juice. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
3. Simmer: Let the mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce has slightly reduced and everything is heated through.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
2. Optional: For extra flavor, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
3. Serve Hot: Serve the chicken and vegetable skillet hot, with rice, pasta, or crusty bread on the side.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken and Vegetable Skillet:

• Vegetable Choice: Feel free to substitute or add your favorite vegetables, such as carrots, green beans, or mushrooms.
• Chicken Options: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
• Seasoning Variations: Experiment with different seasonings such as cumin, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
• Make-Ahead: You can prep the vegetables and chicken ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

This chicken and vegetable skillet is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste, making it a go-to recipe for a healthy and satisfying meal!