This Easy Tex Mex Chicken and Zucchini Skillet is a tasty one-pan meal packed with juicy chicken, fresh zucchini, and bold spices. It’s colorful and fun to eat!
I love how quick this dish comes together, making weeknight dinners less stressful. Serve it with a sprinkle of cheese on top—the gooey goodness is hard to resist!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish because they cook quickly and stay tender. If you’re looking for a faster option, rotisserie chicken or cooked shredded chicken is a fantastic substitute!
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini gives this dish a nice crunch. If zucchini isn’t available, you can use yellow squash or even bell peppers for a fun twist!
Beans: Black beans are a staple in Tex Mex recipes. If you’re not a fan, pinto beans or kidney beans work well instead. For a bean-free version, just add extra veggies!
Cheese: Shredded Mexican blend cheese melts beautifully. I often use cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a little kick. Vegan cheese can replace regular cheese if you prefer a dairy-free option.
How Do You Get the Chicken Just Right?
Getting the chicken perfectly cooked is essential for this dish. Here are some tips:
- Cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
- Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This helps get a nice brown color.
- Check for doneness by cutting into a piece; there shouldn’t be any pink in the middle.
How Can You Make the Vegetables Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking veggies to the right level of tenderness while keeping some crunch is key. Here’s how:
- Add onions and garlic first—this helps build a flavor base.
- Add veggies based on their cooking time. Bell peppers can be added before zucchini since they take a bit longer.
- Stir occasionally to avoid burning but let them sit for a little while to get some nice color!
Enjoy these helpful tips and the chance to make this dish your own!
Easy Tex Mex Chicken and Zucchini Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 medium zucchinis, chopped into half-moons or bite-sized pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to heat preference)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese or cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of 1 lime (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious skillet meal can be ready in about 25 minutes! You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping your ingredients, and the actual cooking time will be around 15 minutes. It’s a quick, colorful, and nutritious dinner option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat Up the Oil:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This will be the base for cooking your chicken and veggies.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken to the hot skillet. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if you like it spicy. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In the same skillet, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This step adds a wonderful flavor to your dish!
4. Add the Bell Peppers:
Next, add the diced red and yellow bell peppers to the skillet. Cook them for another 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and brighten in color.
5. Mix in the Zucchini:
Now it’s time for the zucchini! Stir in the chopped zucchini and let it cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until it becomes tender yet still slightly crisp.
6. Combine the Add-ins:
Stir in the corn kernels and black beans into the skillet, mixing everything together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with a little more salt and pepper if necessary.
7. Return the Chicken:
Put the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir well to combine all the ingredients. Let everything cook together for a minute to meld the flavors.
8. Melt the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt beautifully.
9. Final Touches:
Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from heat. If you’d like, squeeze fresh lime juice on top for a burst of flavor, and garnish with chopped cilantro to add a fresh touch.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Tex Mex Chicken and Zucchini Skillet hot, either on its own or with warm tortillas, rice, or a side salad. Enjoy this wholesome and colorful meal!
Happy cooking!
FAQ about Easy Tex Mex Chicken and Zucchini Skillet
Can I Use Different Proteins in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with ground turkey, beef, or even shrimp. Just adjust the cooking times as needed for different proteins to ensure everything is cooked through.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add extra beans, such as chickpeas or pinto beans, for protein. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms or extra zucchini to bulk it up. Don’t forget the cheese or use a plant-based cheese for a vegan option!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover skillet in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. You might want to add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist while reheating.
Can I Freeze This Skillet Dish?
Yes! This dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm it up on the stove or in the microwave.
Enjoy these tips and make the recipe work for you!
