This Zucchini Pizza Chicken Skillet offers a fantastic solution for those busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome, flavorful, and quick to prepare.
It’s a low-carb meal that doesn’t compromise on taste, bringing together the satisfying textures of chicken and zucchini with a vibrant Tex Mex twist. You’ll love how easily this dish comes together in just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
Perfect for families and anyone looking to incorporate more healthy, low-carb options into their diet, this recipe is incredibly versatile and adaptable. It’s a delicious way to enjoy a hearty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen, proving that healthy eating can also be incredibly convenient and satisfying.
Zucchini Pizza Chicken Skillet
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Zucchini Pizza Chicken Skillet is a quick, low-carb, and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. It combines chicken and zucchini with Tex Mex flavors, all cooked in one skillet for easy cleanup. It’s versatile, family-friendly, and comes together in under 30 minutes, making healthy eating convenient and satisfying.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken and Season: Start by patting the chicken cubes dry with a paper towel. This helps them brown nicely. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Make sure each piece gets a good dusting of seasoning.
2. Saute the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works best) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and mostly cooked through. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage, as it will finish cooking with the zucchini.
3. Add the Zucchini: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the zucchini rounds to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini starts to soften slightly but still retains a bit of crispness. You want it tender-crisp, not mushy.
4. Introduce the Sauce and Toppings: Pour the pizza sauce evenly over the chicken and zucchini mixture in the skillet. Gently stir to combine, ensuring everything is coated.
5. Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet mixture. If using, scatter the sliced black olives over the cheese.
6. Finish in the Oven (or on Stovetop): If your skillet is oven-safe, transfer it to a preheated oven at 375 F (190 C) and bake for 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Alternatively, if your skillet is not oven-safe, cover the skillet with a lid and continue cooking on the stovetop over low heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven or stovetop. Let it rest for a minute or two. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley, if desired, before serving hot directly from the skillet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: skillet
- Cuisine: tex mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the skillet
Keywords: chicken, zucchini, pizza, skillet, low carb, weeknight, easy, tex mex, healthy, quick
What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
This Zucchini Pizza Chicken Skillet is a true weeknight hero because it delivers on so many fronts. First, it’s incredibly fast – you can have a delicious, home-cooked meal on the table in under 30 minutes, which is a huge win for busy schedules. Second, it’s a fantastic low-carb option, making it ideal for those following specific dietary plans or simply looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake without feeling deprived. The combination of lean chicken and fresh zucchini provides a nutrient-dense base that’s both filling and healthy.
It’s also a family-friendly meal that even picky eaters tend to enjoy, thanks to the familiar flavors of “pizza” and Tex Mex seasoning. The one-skillet approach means minimal dishes, which is always a bonus after a long day. This recipe is perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a quick lunch prep, or even a light weekend meal when you want something flavorful but not heavy. It’s designed for home cooks of all skill levels, ensuring a stress-free cooking experience with delicious results every time.
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Gathering your ingredients for this Zucchini Pizza Chicken Skillet is straightforward, using items you likely already have in your pantry or can easily find at any grocery store. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the fresh, wholesome components that come together to create a satisfying meal. Don’t worry about exotic spices or hard-to-find vegetables; this recipe sticks to the basics for maximum convenience.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 medium zucchinis, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons sliced black olives (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish (optional)
When it comes to substitutions, this recipe is quite flexible. If you don’t have chicken breasts, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well, though they might require an extra minute or two of cooking. For the zucchini, yellow squash can be used interchangeably, or a mix of both for added color. If you prefer a spicier kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper can be added to the seasoning mix. Any mild shredded cheese blend can replace the mozzarella and cheddar, such as a Mexican blend or Monterey Jack. For the pizza sauce, your favorite brand of marinara or even a seasoned tomato sauce will do the trick. Don’t hesitate to use what you have on hand to make this recipe even more convenient.
Time Needed From Start To Finish
One of the greatest advantages of this Zucchini Pizza Chicken Skillet is its incredible speed. You can go from raw ingredients to a delicious, hot meal in a remarkably short amount of time, making it perfect for those evenings when every minute counts.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15-20 minutes Total Time: 25-30 minutes
This efficient timeline ensures you can enjoy a homemade, healthy dinner without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The minimal chopping and quick cooking process mean you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal with family.
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Creating this Zucchini Pizza Chicken Skillet is a straightforward process, designed for ease and efficiency. Follow these steps to ensure a perfectly cooked and flavorful meal every time.
- Prepare the Chicken and Season: Start by patting the chicken cubes dry with a paper towel. This helps them brown nicely. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Make sure each piece gets a good dusting of seasoning.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works best) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and mostly cooked through. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage, as it will finish cooking with the zucchini.
- Add the Zucchini: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the zucchini rounds to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini starts to soften slightly but still retains a bit of crispness. You want it tender-crisp, not mushy.
- Introduce the Sauce and Toppings: Pour the pizza sauce evenly over the chicken and zucchini mixture in the skillet. Gently stir to combine, ensuring everything is coated.
- Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet mixture. If using, scatter the sliced black olives over the cheese.
- Finish in the Oven (or on Stovetop): If your skillet is oven-safe, transfer it to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Alternatively, if your skillet is not oven-safe, cover the skillet with a lid and continue cooking on the stovetop over low heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven or stovetop. Let it rest for a minute or two. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley, if desired, before serving hot directly from the skillet.
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
This Zucchini Pizza Chicken Skillet is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adapt to different tastes and occasions. For a more kid-friendly version, you might consider cutting the zucchini into smaller, bite-sized pieces or even grating a small amount into the sauce if your children are particularly resistant to vegetables. Adding mini pepperoni slices on top with the cheese is another surefire way to make it a hit with younger eaters, leaning into the “pizza” aspect even more.
If you’re looking to bulk it up slightly, you could serve it alongside a small portion of quinoa, brown rice, or even some cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes for a refreshing side that complements the richness of the skillet. For a Tex Mex flair, offer a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of extra fresh cilantro, or a dash of hot sauce for those who enjoy a bit of heat. This dish also works wonderfully as part of a casual buffet spread; simply keep it warm in a slow cooker on a “warm” setting after baking, or serve it directly from the skillet on a trivet.
You can also experiment with different vegetables. Bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) sliced thinly would add sweetness and color. A handful of spinach wilted into the sauce before adding the cheese is another great way to boost the greens. For a different flavor profile, try adding a pinch of dried oregano or Italian seasoning to the sauce, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
Even with a simple recipe like this Zucchini Pizza Chicken Skillet, a few common mistakes can impact the final outcome. Being aware of these can help you achieve perfect results every time.
One frequent slip-up is overcrowding the skillet when browning the chicken. If you add too much chicken at once, the temperature of the pan drops, and the chicken will steam instead of brown, leading to a less flavorful and less appealing texture. To avoid this, cook the chicken in two batches if your skillet isn’t large enough to accommodate it in a single layer with some space between pieces.
Another common issue is overcooking the zucchini. Zucchini cooks relatively quickly and can become mushy if left on the heat for too long. You want it tender-crisp, so keep an eye on it and remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches that stage, remembering it will continue to cook slightly when the cheese melts.
Not seasoning the chicken adequately is another pitfall. Bland chicken can make the whole dish fall flat. Ensure you toss the chicken thoroughly with the spices and don’t skimp on salt and pepper. Taste as you go, especially with the sauce, to adjust
FAQs
- Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
- How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
- Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
- Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.
