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One Pan Lemon Chicken with Summer Vegetables

One Pan Lemon Chicken with Summer Vegetables

This One Pan Lemon Chicken with Summer Vegetables is a fresh and easy dinner with juicy chicken and zesty lemon flavor in one pan.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 zucchini sliced
  • 1 yellow squash sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1/2 yellow bell pepper sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Season the Chicken
  2. Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Toss well to evenly coat all pieces.
  3. Step 2: Cook the Chicken
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  5. Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Butter
  6. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
  8. Add zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
  9. Step 5: Add Lemon Flavor
  10. Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest. Mix well so the vegetables absorb the fresh citrus flavor.
  11. Step 6: Combine Everything
  12. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together. Let it cook for another 2 minutes so all flavors blend.
  13. Step 7: Finish and Serve
  14. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm straight from the pan.

Notes

  • Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to get a nice golden sear and lock in juices.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the chicken to steam instead of brown properly.
  • Cut vegetables into similar sizes so they cook evenly and maintain a good texture.
  • Add lemon juice at the right time (not too early) to keep the flavor fresh and bright.
    If the pan gets too dry while cooking, add a small amount of olive oil or butter to keep everything coated.
  • Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended over bottled juice for the best flavor.
  • Keep vegetables slightly crisp to preserve their color, texture, and nutrients.