School Lunch Chicken Skillet

As the school year kicks into high gear, families often find themselves juggling busy schedules filled with homework, extracurricular activities, and a myriad of responsibilities. Amidst this whirlwind, the challenge of preparing quick, healthy meals becomes more pressing than ever. Enter the Back-to-School Chicken Skillet—an ideal solution for parents seeking a nutritious, one-pan recipe that is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and essential nutrients.

Discover the perfect solution for busy school nights with the Back-to-School Chicken Skillet recipe! This one-pan dish combines lean chicken, colorful vegetables, and wholesome grains, making it a nutritious and easy meal for the whole family. Enjoy sautéed broccoli, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes paired with brown rice or quinoa for a balanced dinner. Plus, it’s great for meal prep and leftovers, ensuring busy days are met with delicious, healthy food that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic; sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Then, add the bell pepper and broccoli florets, cooking for another 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the cherry tomatoes and cooked brown rice or quinoa. Stir everything together gently, allowing the flavors to meld for about 2-3 minutes.

Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the mixture and cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm for a wholesome school lunch or a quick family dinner!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 25 min | 4 servings