Cozy Evening Low Fat (Printable)
Lean chicken and vibrant vegetables cooked in one skillet for a wholesome low-fat meal.
# List of ingredients:
→ Proteins
01 - 2 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 medium carrots, sliced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, chopped
06 - 1 zucchini, sliced
07 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
08 - 2 cups baby spinach
→ Liquids & Seasonings
09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
10 - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
11 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
12 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Optional Garnish
14 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
15 - Lemon wedges
# Steps:
01 - Warm olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
02 - Add diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
05 - Incorporate carrots, bell pepper, and zucchini. Continue cooking for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Pour in chicken broth and add cherry tomatoes. Cover and simmer for 7 to 8 minutes until vegetables are tender and chicken is fully cooked.
07 - Stir in baby spinach and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until wilted.
08 - Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges if preferred.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It uses just one pan, so cleanup is practically nonexistent and you can relax sooner.
- The chicken stays tender and juicy without a drop of added fat beyond one tablespoon of olive oil.
- Every bite is packed with color and crunch from vegetables that actually taste like themselves.
- It comes together in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights when energy is low but hunger is real.
02 -
- Cutting the chicken into smaller, even pieces is non-negotiable if you want them to cook at the same rate as the vegetables.
- Dont skip covering the skillet during the simmer, or the vegetables will stay crunchy and the chicken might dry out before everything is tender.
- Adding the spinach at the very end keeps it bright green and prevents it from turning into a soggy mess.
03 -
- Always let your skillet preheat properly before adding the oil, this prevents sticking and helps everything brown evenly.
- Taste the broth before serving and adjust with a small squeeze of lemon juice if it needs brightness, or a pinch of salt if it tastes flat.
- Using a nonstick skillet makes cleanup almost effortless and keeps the chicken from tearing when you stir.