Description
Succulent chicken dinner promises a delightful journey through savory flavors and simple ingredients. Home cooks will discover a quick, nourishing meal that brings comfort and satisfaction to the table.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
Fats and Liquids:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by thoroughly patting it dry with paper towels, then generously coat both sides with a robust blend of salt, freshly cracked black pepper, aromatic garlic powder, and vibrant paprika.
- Position a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle with olive oil. Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot pan, allowing each side to develop a rich, golden-brown crust through 5-6 minutes of undisturbed cooking. Transfer the seared chicken to a holding plate.
- Utilize the same skillet to create a flavor base by melting butter and quickly sautéing minced garlic with Italian seasoning for about 30 seconds. Introduce a colorful medley of cherry tomatoes, sliced zucchini, and diced bell peppers, stirring occasionally until the vegetables reach a tender, slightly caramelized state.
- Reunite the perfectly seared chicken with the vegetable ensemble, enriching the pan with additional butter, a bright splash of lemon juice, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of warmth. Allow the chicken to finish cooking, ensuring it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F (75C).
- Elevate the dish with a generous garnish of freshly chopped parsley, creating a vibrant visual and flavor finish. Serve immediately alongside your preferred accompaniment such as fluffy rice, al dente pasta, or creamy mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Pat chicken completely dry to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior when searing, preventing excess moisture from steaming the meat.
- Control heat carefully during searing to develop a beautiful caramelized crust without burning the chicken’s surface.
- Use fresh seasonal vegetables for maximum flavor and nutritional value, allowing color and texture to enhance the overall dish.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal spice tolerance, adding gradually to customize heat level without overwhelming other flavors.
- Choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil for better taste and healthier cooking, which contributes subtle richness to the final preparation.
- Check chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee safe cooking and prevent potential foodborne illnesses.
- Consider substituting butter with olive oil for a lighter version or using dairy-free alternatives to make the recipe more adaptable for different dietary needs.
- Allow chicken to rest briefly after cooking to help redistribute internal juices, ensuring each bite remains tender and succulent.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg