Description
Succulent “easy chicken dinner” brings Mediterranean warmth to your kitchen, blending simple ingredients with bold Mediterranean flavors. Crisp herbs and tender chicken unite in a quick, delightful meal you can savor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 3 tbsps unsalted butter, divided
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Seasoning Preparation: Meticulously dry the chicken and generously coat both surfaces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, ensuring even distribution of spices.
- Searing Technique: Ignite a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil, carefully place chicken pieces, and caramelize each side for 5-6 minutes until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior. Transfer seared chicken to a separate plate.
- Vegetable Medley: Utilize the same skillet, introduce butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Swiftly incorporate cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until vegetables reach a tender, vibrant consistency.
- Flavor Fusion: Reintroduce chicken to the skillet, drizzle with remaining butter, squeeze fresh lemon juice, and sprinkle red pepper flakes. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, verifying internal temperature reaches 165F (75C) for optimal doneness.
- Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve alongside complementary sides like rice, pasta, or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Pat chicken thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy golden-brown exterior and preventing steaming during cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature precisely at 165F (75C), removing chicken from heat immediately to maintain juiciness and prevent toughness.
- Allow chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute juices and ensures each bite remains tender and flavorful.
- Swap butter with olive oil for dairy-free version, or use gluten-free seasonings to accommodate different dietary restrictions while maintaining the dish’s core taste profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg