Cheesy Zucchini and Chicken Skillet is a wholesome, flavorful dish that combines fresh zucchini, tender chicken, and vibrant bell peppers, all enhanced by the richness of cheddar cheese and the warmth of spices. This one-pan recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal and can be easily adapted for a variety of diets. Packed with protein and vegetables, it’s not only delicious but also nutritious. The addition of cumin, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley elevates this dish, offering a delightful balance of spice and freshness.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

2 medium zucchinis, grated
3 large eggs

3 tablespoons of flour
2 medium onions, diced
1 chicken fillet, diced

3 bell peppers (any color), diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
120 g cheddar cheese, grated

Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Fresh parsley, chopped
Olive oil, for cooking

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini Mixture

Start by grating the zucchinis into a large bowl. Squeeze out any excess moisture using a kitchen towel or your hands. Removing the liquid helps keep the dish from becoming soggy.
Crack 3 eggs into the bowl and add the flour. Mix until well combined to form a zucchini batter.

Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, cumin, and red pepper flakes. Stir again to make sure the spices are evenly distributed.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Vegetables

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.

Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken fillet to the skillet. Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add another drizzle of olive oil and sauté the diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic until they soften, about 3-4 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so the vegetables don’t burn.

Step 3: Combine the Zucchini and Chicken

Once the vegetables are softened, lower the heat to medium-low and add the zucchini mixture to the skillet. Spread it evenly across the pan.
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, distributing it evenly over the zucchini mixture.

Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese generously over the top of the dish.

Step 4: Cook the Skillet Dish

Cover the skillet with a lid and let the dish cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the zucchini mixture to set and the cheese to melt. You can also place the skillet in the oven under a grill for 5 minutes if you’d like a crispy cheese topping.

Once the cheese is melted and slightly golden, remove from the heat.
Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Step 5: Serve

Slice the cheesy zucchini and chicken mixture into portions and serve warm.
Pair with a fresh salad, quinoa, or some crusty bread to complete the meal.

Cooking Tips:

Zucchini preparation: Zucchini tends to hold a lot of water. Be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible before adding it to the mixture to avoid a watery dish.

Cheese options: While cheddar cheese adds a nice sharpness, you can substitute it with mozzarella or a mix of your favorite cheeses for a different flavor.
Cooking chicken: Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before adding it back into the skillet to avoid overcooking the zucchini.
Extra flavor: For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of oregano to the vegetable sauté.

Vegetarian option: You can omit the chicken and replace it with mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian version of this dish.

Storage:

Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a skillet over low heat or microwave until warmed through.
Freezer: This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. Reheat from frozen by baking in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings):

Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 27g
Carbohydrates: 12g

Fat: 18g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g

Sodium: 600mg
Vitamin A: 15% of daily value
Vitamin C: 35% of daily value

Calcium: 25% of daily value

FAQs:

Can I make this dish without flour?
- Yes, you can substitute the flour with almond flour or leave it out completely for a gluten-free or lower-carb option. However, leaving out the flour might make the dish a bit less firm.

What other vegetables can I add?
- You can add mushrooms, spinach, or even corn for extra flavor and texture. Just make sure to sauté any additional vegetables before adding them to the zucchini mixture.
Can I make this dish in the oven?
- Yes, you can transfer the entire mixture to a baking dish and bake it at 180°C (350°F) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the zucchini is cooked through.
How do I prevent the zucchini from being too watery?
- Squeezing out as much moisture as possible from the grated zucchini before adding it to the dish is key to preventing a watery result. You can also lightly salt the zucchini and let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out more water before squeezing.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes it a convenient option for meal prepping.

Conclusion:

This Cheesy Zucchini and Chicken Skillet is a fantastic blend of vegetables, protein, and spices, all brought together by the irresistible flavor of melted cheddar cheese. With a perfect balance of textures—crisp zucchini, tender chicken, and gooey cheese—this dish offers a satisfying and nutritious meal that the whole family will enjoy. Easy to prepare and customizable, this skillet meal is ideal for busy nights or when you’re looking for a simple yet delicious dinner option. Serve it as a main course with a side salad or as part of a larger meal.

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