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close up of chicken skillet with fresh herbs on top

25+ Last Minute Dinner Ideas: Italian Chicken Zucchini Skillet

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This Easy Italian Chicken Zucchini Skillet combines chicken, zucchini, tomatoes and classic Italian flavors for an easy, one-pot dinner you can make any night of the week. Plus 25+ more last minute dinner ideas I know you'll love too!
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Diet Gluten Free
Keyword chicken, one pan, skillet
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 19 mins
Total Time 29 mins
Servings 4
Calories 298
Author Robyn Downs

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 tsp no-salt added Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp kosher salt divided
  • 4 cups 1-inch diced zucchini (from about 4 medium zucchini)
  • 2 garlic cloves finely minced or grated
  • 1 15-oz can diced tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 2 tbsp butter*
  • 1/4 cup lightly packed fresh basil thinly sliced
  • red pepper flakes to taste

Instructions

  • In a large 12-inch skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium high heat. Add the chicken in one layer, taking care not to overlap the pieces. Sprinkle with the Italian seasoning and ½ teaspoon salt.
  • Cook the chicken undisturbed, until golden brown on one side, about 5 minutes. Flip, and cook an additional 3 minutes until browned on both sides and just cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  • In the same pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the zucchini, sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt, and cook until just tender, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add chicken stock, stirring to deglaze, then add tomato paste and diced tomatoes, stirring until well combined.
  • Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, turn the heat to medium low, and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, until the sauce is slightly reduced.
  • Turn off the heat, add the butter, and stir to combine. Taste the sauce and add additional salt if desired. Serve sprinkled with basil and red pepper flakes to taste.

Notes

*Use dairy-free butter to keep this recipe dairy-free, or omit for Whole30.
This recipe works with either chicken breasts or thighs - if you prefer juicer chicken, use chicken thighs.

Nutrition

Calories: 298kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 89mg | Sodium: 995mg | Potassium: 1027mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 727IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 2mg