If you’re craving something vibrant, breezy, and soul-satisfying, look no further than Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini and Squash. This dish captures summer in a skillet: juicy chicken cutlets seared to golden perfection, nestled among ribbons of zucchini and squash, all kissed with fresh lemon and showered with nutty Parmesan. It’s a whirl of bold flavors, bright colors, and the sort of comforting texture that will have everyone racing to the table. One bite and you’ll see why Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini and Squash has quickly become my most-requested weeknight dinner!

Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini and Squash Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini and Squash lies in its simple, fuss-free ingredient list. Each item is incredibly important, bringing a pop of flavor, a dash of color, or a whisper of aroma that makes this dish truly sing.

Chicken breast: Sliced into cutlets, they cook quickly and stay beautifully juicy.
Salt and pepper: The basic duo, essential for coaxing out the natural flavors of your chicken and veggies.
Garlic powder: Adds a gentle backbone of savory warmth in every bite.
Italian seasoning: Lends fragrant herbs that tie all the flavors together.
Olive oil: Essential for browning the chicken and sautéing the vegetables to just the right tenderness.
Zucchini: Sliced into half moons, it gives the final dish its sunny, fresh contrast.
Yellow squash: Like zucchini’s golden sibling, it brings mellow sweetness and a cheerful pop of color.
Garlic cloves: Minced and sautéed for that unmistakable, mouthwatering aroma.
Lemon juice and zest: The zing that brightens everything and makes these flavors shine.
Grated Parmesan cheese: The finishing touch, adding a salty, nutty richness that melts right in.
Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a burst of garden freshness and fantastic color for garnish.
Lemon slices (optional): For extra flair and a hit of citrus on the plate.

How to Make Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini and Squash

Step 1: Season the Chicken Cutlets

Start by arranging your chicken cutlets on a board and generously sprinkling both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This simple seasoning lays down the foundation, infusing the chicken with herbaceous, savory notes from the get-go. Take a moment to really pat the spices in so every bite is flavorful.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat up 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Lay the cutlets in gently and let them sizzle for 3-4 minutes per side, until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and are cooked through. This step is your ticket to tender, juicy chicken with a bit of lovely caramelization. Once cooked, set them aside on a plate and cover to keep cozy and warm.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

In that same skillet (don’t wipe it clean — you want all those tasty leftover bits!), pour in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add your zucchini and yellow squash, sautéing them for about 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally so they soften evenly but still hold some bite. The veggies should be just tender, adding texture and freshness to Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini and Squash.

Step 4: Add the Garlic

Scoot the veggies aside and toss in your minced garlic. Let it cook for just 30 seconds, swirling that fragrance all through the pan. This is the magic touch that makes your kitchen smell utterly irresistible.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Return the seared chicken cutlets back to the skillet, nestling them among the vegetables. Pour in the juice and sprinkle in the zest of one lemon, which will deglaze all those flavorful bits. Immediately shower the skillet with the grated Parmesan cheese. Gently toss it all together, letting the cheese melt and the flavors meld. If you’re feeling fancy, scatter chopped fresh parsley and a few lemon slices over the top. Serve Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini and Squash right away, and get ready for applause.

How to Serve Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini and Squash

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of chopped parsley will add a burst of color and refreshing herbal scent, while finishing with thin lemon slices or extra zest is not just pretty—it ups that citrusy freshness. Don’t forget a last dusting of Parmesan for the ultimate cheesy flourish!

Side Dishes

This crowd-pleaser pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, a swirl of al dente pasta, or slabs of crusty bread to mop up every bit of that lemony sauce. If you’re after something lighter, try serving Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini and Squash alongside a crisp green salad.

Creative Ways to Present

To wow at the table, nestle the chicken and veggies atop a bed of creamy polenta, or pile them high in shallow bowls for a rustic, one-pan supper. Looking to impress? Stack the chicken against the veggies for a vertical presentation, or improvise mini-skillets for individual servings—each guest gets their own showstopper of Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini and Squash.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini and Squash are a dream! Just pop any extras into an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen, making lunchtime the next day even more delicious.

Freezing

While the chicken freezes well, the squash and zucchini can become slightly softer upon thawing. To freeze, store the chicken and veggies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best results, reheat directly from frozen or thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm everything gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep things juicy. You could also microwave single servings, but stop and stir halfway so the veggies remain tender, not mushy. A fresh squeeze of lemon and sprinkle of Parmesan will revive the flavors in a flash.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great swap and stay even juicier. Just slice them thinly so they cook at the same rate as the rest of the ingredients.

Is Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini and Squash gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic choice for anyone avoiding wheat or gluten in their meals.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Certainly! Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even spinach wilted in at the end would all taste lovely and add extra color or nutrients to Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini and Squash.

What’s the best way to ensure juicy chicken?

Don’t overcook it! Slicing the chicken thinly into cutlets helps them cook fast and evenly. Also, letting them rest (covered) after searing seals in those juices before you add them back to the skillet.

Can I make Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini and Squash dairy-free?

Of course! Swap the Parmesan for a dairy-free cheese alternative or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, and skip the garnish if needed—your dish will still be full of zesty, savory flavor.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve seen how easy and rewarding Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini and Squash can be, I hope you’ll whisk this into your weekly meal rotation. It’s bright, wholesome, and full of life—just the way good food should be. Give it a try and watch this skillet dinner become a family legend in your kitchen!

Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini and Squash Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini and Squash is a flavorful and easy one-pan dish that combines tender chicken cutlets with vibrant vegetables in a zesty lemon and Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced into cutlets
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil divided

Veggies:

1 zucchini sliced into half moons
1 yellow squash sliced into half moons
3 cloves garlic minced

Other:

juice and zest of 1 lemon
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
lemon slices for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Season the chicken: Season the chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Sauté the veggies: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the zucchini and squash for 4-5 minutes until just tender. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Combine everything: Return the chicken to the skillet, reduce heat to low. Add lemon juice and zest, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to combine and warm through.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley and lemon slices if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the vegetables.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American