Quick Chicken Dinner Ideas For Family
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Diet: Keto, Low Carb
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley and lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken – Start by patting the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial for achieving a nice golden sear. Place the chicken in a bowl and toss with the smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Ensure every piece is evenly coated. Chop your broccoli, peppers, and zucchini so they are ready to hit the pan as soon as the chicken finishes browning.
- Step 2: Sear the Chicken – Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add one tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Do not crowd the pan; work in batches if necessary. Sear the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables – In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini. Sauté the vegetables for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want them to be tender-crisp—bright in color but with a slight bite. If the pan seems too dry, add a splash of water or chicken broth to help steam the broccoli slightly.
- Step 4: Combine with Garlic Butter Sauce – Reduce the heat to medium. Push the vegetables to the sides of the pan and melt the butter in the center. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together so the garlic butter coats every piece of chicken and vegetable. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.