Bursting with sunny citrus, nutty cheese, and fresh garden vegetables, Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini and Squash is a dinner that truly elevates your weeknight lineup. This skillet meal comes together in no time and beautifully pairs vibrant zucchini and yellow squash with juicy, parmesan-dusted chicken—every bite is a celebration of flavor and color. It’s truly the kind of dish you’ll want to make all summer long, yet cozy enough to enjoy any time of year.

Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini and Squash Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a handful of familiar, everyday ingredients transform into something so bright and satisfying! Each component of Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini and Squash adds its own magic to the mix—there’s nothing extra, just pure flavor.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Diced into bite-size pieces so that every forkful is juicy and flavorful.
Olive oil: Adds richness, helps everything caramelize, and keeps the chicken moist.
Butter: For extra lusciousness and a golden finish—feel free to use more oil if you prefer.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: The essential base layer for bringing all the flavors to life.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the dish its signature aroma.
Garlic powder: Brings a subtle, savory punch without the fuss of chopping fresh garlic.
Onion powder: Delicate and sweet, this deepens the flavor profile without overpowering.
Lemon zest: The shining star! It infuses the whole dish with bright, zippy notes.
Zucchini: Tender and mild, perfectly soaking up the lemony, herby goodness.
Yellow squash: Adds a splash of sunshine to your skillet and a soft, buttery texture.
Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and irresistible when it mingles with the vegetables and chicken.
Fresh parsley: A handful at the end for a fresh, green finish.
Lemon juice: Gives that final layer of zing and tang to bring everything together.

How to Make Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini and Squash

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken pieces dry and tossing them with a generous sprinkle of salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and most importantly, that fresh lemon zest. Heating both butter and olive oil in your skillet at this point not only helps cook the chicken beautifully but adds unbeatable flavor. Sear the chicken in the hot pan, letting it turn irresistibly golden and just cooked through. Once done, set the pieces aside and tent loosely with foil to keep them warm (and extra juicy!).

Step 2: Sauté the Zucchini and Squash

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil and butter. Toss in your sliced zucchini and yellow squash—these seasonal stars soak up any savory bits left from the chicken. Sprinkle with salt, extra Italian seasoning, and the rest of your garlic powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are just tender but still delightfully colorful. You want them to keep a subtle bite for the best texture!

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Now for the magic: return the chicken and any juices to the skillet, then drizzle over fresh lemon juice. Toss well so every piece is coated in flavor. Off the heat, shower everything with freshly grated parmesan and a generous sprinkle of parsley. If you like, finish with an extra pinch of lemon zest for that perfect citrus sparkle!

How to Serve Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini and Squash

Garnishes

A final dusting of parmesan and a scatter of extra lemon zest are more than just a pretty finishing touch—they add layers of brightness and depth. Don’t forget a flurry of fresh parsley right before serving to make the colors and flavors pop!

Side Dishes

Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini and Squash shines with a simple bed of fluffy orzo, but rice, quinoa, or even a swirl of creamy mashed potatoes work wonders. Fresh bread is another tasty option for sopping up all those delicious juices.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic look, bring the whole skillet right to the table and let everyone serve themselves. If you’re feeling fancy, try plating the chicken over a mound of orzo and artfully draping the zucchini and squash on top, then showering with more parmesan and herbs. For a picnic-style meal, pile it onto crusty rolls as a warm sandwich filling!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the dish to cool, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making lunchtime leftovers something to look forward to!

Freezing

While fresh zucchini and squash are best enjoyed right away, you can freeze Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini and Squash in a pinch. Let it cool completely, pack in freezer-safe bags or containers, and store for up to two months. Keep in mind the veggies may soften more after freezing and thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth to preserve moisture. The microwave works too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, so the chicken stays tender and the veggies don’t overcook.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring even more juiciness and rich flavor to Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini and Squash. Just dice them up and cook as directed.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to get creative—bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even thinly sliced asparagus all work beautifully in this recipe. Just add firm veggies earlier and tender ones near the end.

Is freshly grated parmesan necessary?

While pre-grated parmesan makes life easy, freshly grating your own adds a meltier, more intense flavor that really takes Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini and Squash over the top!

Can I prep this dish ahead?

Yes, you can chop the chicken and vegetables the night before. When dinnertime comes, everything will be ready to toss into the skillet and cook in a flash.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It sure is! As long as you serve Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini and Squash with gluten-free sides, the main recipe itself contains no gluten or flour.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a truly crave-worthy way to get more veggies on your table, Skillet Lemon Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini and Squash is pure magic. It’s simple, vibrant, and so satisfying—give it a try, and I have a feeling it’ll become your new favorite too!