Chicken Summer Squash Recipe

Alright, friends, picture this: a sizzling skillet bursting with vibrant summer colors and flavors that make you feel like you’re dining in the heart of the Mediterranean. 🌿🍋 If you’re like me and love a dish that’s both effortless and packed with all the right vibes, this Summer Squash and Chicken is your culinary soulmate. Let’s dive in!

I enjoy making recipes that feature fresh, in-season components, and my Chicken Summer Squash Recipe is a good example. It combines moist chicken breast with bright-and-beautiful summer squash and a hit of lemon zest that makes the dish sing.

Adding oregano, thyme, and a sprinkle of Parmesan introduces the kind of depth that makes you suspect there’s something going on in the dish that you can’t quite pin down and is delicious.

Chicken Summer Squash Recipe Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: High protein, low-fat, adds heartiness.
• Olive oil: Healthy fats, rich in antioxidants.
• Summer squash: Low-calorie, high in vitamins A, C.
• Zucchini: Adds moisture, fiber, and vitamin C.
• Red bell pepper: Sweetness, vitamin C, antioxidants.
• Garlic: Flavor enhancer, immune-boosting properties.
• Lemon: Adds tangy brightness, vitamin C.
• Parmesan cheese: Savory depth, calcium, and protein.

Chicken Summer Squash Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 medium summer squash, sliced
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

How to Make this Chicken Summer Squash Recipe

1. Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) to heat up.

2. Sprinkle the chicken breasts with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

3. In an expansive skillet that can tolerate oven temperatures, pour in one tablespoon of olive oil. Place the skillet on a medium-high flame, allowing the oil to heat for a moment before adding the chicken. Sear the chicken for approximately three to four minutes on each side, achieving a golden-brown color before removing it from the skillet and setting it aside once more.

4. In the same frying pan, add the last tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic in it for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Place the sliced summer squash, zucchini, and red bell pepper in the skillet. Season them with the last 1/2 teaspoon of salt, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, oregano, and thyme. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have slightly softened.

6. Combine lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth in the skillet and stir.

7. Return the sautéed chicken breasts to the skillet with the vegetables.

8. Move the frying pan into the hot oven and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the poultry no longer has a pink color and registers 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) when measured at the thickest part.

9. Take the skillet out of the oven and strew the grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and vegetables.

10. If desired, before serving, add fresh basil leaves to the garnish. Enjoy your Summer Squash and Chicken dish!

Chicken Summer Squash Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Oven-safe skillet
3. Measuring spoons
4. Cutting board
5. Knife
6. Tongs or spatula
7. Meat thermometer
8. Citrus zester
9. Citrus juicer

FAQ

• Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?You can indeed use chicken with bones, but you’ll have to modify the timing so that the chicken is fully cooked.
• What is a good substitute for summer squash?If you don’t have summer squash on hand, you can use yellow squash or another zucchini.
• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?Yes, just skip the chicken and substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.
• How do I prevent the vegetables from getting mushy?Do not overcook the vegetables, and add them to the pan at the right time as specified in the recipe instructions.
• What other herbs can I use instead of oregano and thyme?Fresh rosemary or basil can provide a completely different flavor profile that can substitute in well.
• Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?Preparation of the vegetables and the chicken can be done in advance, but for best results, cook them fresh immediately before serving.
• How should I store leftovers?Keep any remaining food in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days.

Chicken Summer Squash Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Chicken Breasts: For a juicier option, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
Avocado Oil: Use olive oil or coconut oil for a different flavor profile.
Zucchini and Yellow Squash: Swap in extra amounts of other summer squashes, like zucchini or yellow squash.
Dried Oregano: Substitute with dried Italian seasoning for a slightly different herbal flavor.
Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese can replace Parmesan cheese for a different cheese profile.

Pro Tips

1. Tenderize the Chicken: Before cooking, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures they cook uniformly and remain juicy.