Quick & Easy Savory Ground Chicken Skillet with Vegetables: Your New Weeknight Favorite!

On my busiest nights, I reach for a recipe that promises ease, flavor, and a happy family, and this is a true favorite! Tired of dinner dilemmas and boring takeout? Find yourself staring into the fridge wondering what to make that’s both healthy and fast? This Savory Ground Chicken Skillet with Vegetables transforms your busy evenings into stress-free mealtimes, delivering a delicious, hearty dish with minimal fuss. Designed for busy home cooks and families who crave nutritious, satisfying meals without the hassle, this versatile dish will quickly become your new weeknight hero. We’ll cover simple ingredients, easy step-by-step instructions, and plenty of ways to customize this fantastic Savory Ground Chicken Skillet with Vegetables, making weeknight cooking a joy again. Trusted by countless families, this recipe uses time-tested, home-style methods for guaranteed deliciousness.

Ingredient Breakdown (with Measurements, Purpose)

Crafting a delicious Savory Ground Chicken Skillet starts with fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Ground chicken: 1 lb (450g), lean protein source, cooks quickly.
• Olive oil: 1 tbsp (15ml), for sautéing and building a flavorful base.
• Onion: 1 medium, diced, provides an essential aromatic foundation.
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, a powerful flavor enhancer that brightens the dish.
• Bell peppers: 2, any color, chopped, adds vitamins, sweetness, and vibrant color.
• Zucchini: 1 medium, chopped, contributes texture and nutrients.
• Diced tomatoes: 1 can, 14.5 oz (411g), undrained, forms the tangy sauce base.
• Chicken broth: 1/2 cup (120ml), adds liquid and depth of flavor to the skillet.
• Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme (to taste), for that classic savory profile.

Optional Add-ins & Smart Swaps:

• Mushrooms, spinach, or kale for extra greens and nutrition.
• Swap ground turkey or lean ground beef for chicken if you prefer.
• Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky flavor twist in your ground chicken skillet.
• Top with shredded cheese or fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro just before serving.

Notes on Quality/Seasonality:

• Choose fresh, lean ground chicken for the best texture and flavor.
• Using seasonal vegetables will enhance the overall taste and nutritional value of your Savory Ground Chicken Skillet with Vegetables.
• A good quality chicken broth truly elevates the depth of flavor in this dish.

Culinary entities: lean protein, umami, aromatic vegetables, nutrient-dense, tender-crisp texture, flavor layering.

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Let’s get cooking! This Savory Ground Chicken Skillet with Vegetables comes together quickly, perfect for those busy evenings. Follow these simple steps for a hearty meal:

1. Brown the chicken (approx. 8-10 minutes): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink and lightly browned. Drain any excess fat. I always make sure it gets a nice brown crust for extra flavor.
2. Sauté aromatics (approx. 3-5 minutes): Add diced onion to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Sauté until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add vegetables and simmer (approx. 15-20 minutes): Stir in chopped bell peppers and zucchini. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp. Pour in diced tomatoes (undrained) and chicken broth. Season generously with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and the sauce has slightly thickened. This simmering time is key for all the flavors to meld beautifully in your chicken skillet.
4. Serve immediately: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you like a little kick, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes. For brightness, a squeeze of lemon juice at the end works wonders to finish your Savory Ground Chicken Skillet.

Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thin, simply simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow it to reduce. If you notice sticking, ensure enough oil or liquid is present; sometimes a splash more broth helps.

When and How to Use It (Occasions, Storage)

This dish is incredibly versatile, fitting into so many parts of your busy life. It’s all about making mealtime easier and more delicious without a lot of fuss.

• Situations: Ideal for busy weeknights when time is short and you need a satisfying meal fast. It’s fantastic for meal prep, providing healthy, flavorful lunches all week long. This is also a crowd-pleaser for casual family dinners, and its easy scalability makes it perfect for potlucks or gatherings.
• Serving ideas: Serve this hearty skillet hot over fluffy rice, pasta, or quinoa for a complete meal. It’s also delicious scooped into warm tortillas for a quick wrap, or pairs perfectly with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.
• Storage:
  • Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
  • Freezer: Once completely cooled, transfer your skillet meal to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry. Alternatively, microwave individual portions until piping hot.

How It Supports Quick & Healthy Family Dinners

This recipe truly shines when you need a dinner solution that’s both fast and good for you. It’s one of my go-to’s for a reason!

• Time-saving hero: This recipe is a true one-pan wonder, minimizing cleanup and cooking in under 30 minutes of active time. You’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your family.
• Nutrient powerhouse: Packed with lean protein from the chicken and a rainbow of fresh vegetables, it’s a balanced, wholesome meal your family will love. It’s a great way to get those veggies in!
• Budget-friendly goodness: Using affordable, readily available ingredients, this recipe makes healthy eating accessible without breaking the bank. It’s smart cooking that feels good.

Tips, Adjustments, and Cautions — expanded with Savory Ground Chicken Skillet with Vegetables

Here are a few pointers to help you make your Savory Ground Chicken Skillet with Vegetables absolutely perfect every time.

• Technique upgrades: Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure proper browning of the chicken, which significantly enhances flavor. I always make sure to deglaze the pan with a bit of chicken broth after browning the chicken to capture all those delicious browned bits — it adds so much depth!
• Seasoning adjustments: Always taste your Savory Ground Chicken Skillet before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or dried herbs as needed. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil, stirred in right at the end, add a burst of freshness and brightness.
• Texture control: Cook vegetables to your preferred tenderness — some like them crisp-tender, others prefer them softer. Just keep an eye on them!
• Allergy or dietary notes: To make this Savory Ground Chicken Skillet gluten-free, simply ensure your chicken broth is certified GF. It’s naturally dairy-free, unless you choose to top it with cheese later.
• Brief safety: Always ensure ground chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

FAQs

This Savory Ground Chicken Skillet with Vegetables truly is a game-changer for anyone seeking an easy, hearty, and family-friendly meal that delivers on flavor and convenience. It’s become a staple in my home, and I hope it will in yours too!

Pin this recipe now and make your next weeknight dinner a delicious breeze!

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