Some of my favorite dinners come together at the end of the week, when I’m looking through the refrigerator and figuring out how to use what I already have on hand.
That’s exactly how this Italian chicken skillet came to be. I had chicken, zucchini, yellow summer squash, and a handful of cherry tomatoes waiting to be used, so I tossed everything into a skillet with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a little olive oil. A sprinkle of Parmesan, fresh basil, and a squeeze of lemon brought it all together.
The result was a colorful, flavorful dinner that felt fresh without requiring much time or effort. It’s the kind of simple meal I love on a busy evening—one pan, everyday ingredients, and very little cleanup.
-- Ingredients
Chicken Breast: Cut into bite-sized cubes for quick, even cooking.
Zucchini: Adds fresh flavor and a tender, lightly browned texture.
Yellow Summer Squash: Brings beautiful color and a mild, delicate flavor.
Cherry Tomatoes: Add juicy sweetness and a pop of freshness.
Garlic: Gives the vegetables and chicken a savory Italian-inspired flavor.
Olive Oil: Used to brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables.
Italian Seasoning: A simple blend that brings everything together.
Garlic Powder: Adds another layer of savory flavor to the chicken.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for a salty, nutty finish.
Fresh Basil: Adds a lovely fresh-from-the-garden flavor.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens the entire dish and balances the Parmesan.
-- Equipment
You only need a few items to complete this great meal.Large Skillet: My go-to for quick, one-pan dinners. A wide skillet gives the chicken and vegetables room to brown.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: Makes quick work of cubing the chicken and slicing the vegetables.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and tossing everything together.
My Go-To's
-- Let’s Make It Together
Start by seasoning the cubed chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Brown it in a little olive oil until cooked through, then move it to a plate while you prepare the vegetables.
Next, add the zucchini and yellow squash to the same skillet. Let them pick up a little color before adding the garlic and cherry tomatoes. Once the tomatoes begin to soften, return the chicken to the pan and toss everything together.
Turn off the heat, then finish with freshly grated Parmesan, torn basil, and a squeeze of lemon. That final touch makes the whole skillet taste fresh and flavorful.
-- Perfecting the Cooking Process
The key to this one-pan dinner is cooking the ingredients in stages. Browning the chicken first gives it flavor, while cooking the squash separately helps it develop a little color without becoming mushy. Add the tomatoes near the end so they soften just enough while keeping some of their shape.
-- Add Your Touch
Add More Vegetables: Bell peppers or sliced mushrooms would work beautifully.
Make It Heartier: Serve over rice, pasta, or your favorite grain.
Change the Protein: Try boneless chicken thighs or peeled shrimp.
Add a Little Heat: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes with the garlic.
Set the Mood
A good meal deserves a great setting. Here are a few ways to set the mood when serving this dish.
This One-Pan Italian Chicken with Summer Squash, Zucchini & Tomatoes is proof that a delicious dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. A few fresh ingredients, one skillet, and a handful of simple finishing touches are all you need.
If you love easy weeknight meals, you might also enjoy my other simple chicken recipes and easy one-pan dinners.
Thanks for stopping by A Slice of Southern. I hope this recipe brings a little freshness and simplicity to your dinner table!
Before You Start
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well, although they may need a little extra cooking time depending on the size of the pieces.
This dish is best served fresh, but you can chop the vegetables and chicken ahead of time to make dinner come together even faster.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Warm bread, rice, pasta, or a simple green salad all make lovely accompaniments.
