Imagine coming home after a long day, craving something hearty and flavorful, but the last thing you want is a sink full of dishes. That’s where this skillet recipes favorite shines—a one skillet chicken dish that’s bursting with savory sazon spices, tender chicken, and vibrant summer veggies all cooked together in perfect harmony. If you’re a fan of quick, delicious meals that feel like a restaurant-quality dinner, this one skillet chicken recipe is your new go-to. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, using simple ingredients that create layers of smoky, herby flavor without any fuss.
Table of Contents
What makes this one skillet chicken so special? It’s the homemade sazon seasoning—a blend of pantry staples like cumin, garlic powder, and oregano that infuses every bite with tropical flair. Paired with juicy cubed chicken breasts, colorful bell peppers, zucchini, corn, and black beans, it delivers a complete meal that’s protein-packed and veggie-forward. No need for multiple pots; everything simmers in one skillet, building flavor as it goes. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even casual weekend gatherings with friends.
I’ve made this countless times, tweaking it for seasons—fresh corn in summer, frozen in winter—and it never disappoints. The cheese melts right over the top, creating a gooey finish that’s irresistible. Among all my skillet recipes, this stands out for its ease and bold taste. Whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself, this one skillet chicken proves that simple ingredients can yield extraordinary results. You’ll wonder how you lived without it!
Ingredients for One Skillet Chicken
Choosing the right ingredients is key to making this one skillet chicken a standout among skillet recipes. Fresh, high-quality chicken breasts ensure tenderness, while vibrant veggies like zucchini and bell peppers add crunch and color. The homemade sazon seasoning ties it all together, drawing from Latin flavors that elevate everyday pantry items into something special.
These components work seamlessly because they cook at similar rates in the skillet, allowing flavors to meld without overcooking. Black beans provide creaminess and protein, corn brings natural sweetness, and a sprinkle of cheese at the end adds that melty comfort. Opt for firm zucchini and ripe bell peppers for the best texture—it’s all about balance in this one skillet chicken.
Homemade Sazon Seasoning:
– 1 tablespoon ground coriander
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
– ½ teaspoon kosher salt
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the One Skillet Chicken:
– 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil, divided
– 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into ½-inch cubes
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– ½ medium yellow onion, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped into ½-inch pieces
– 1 medium zucchini, sliced into quarters
– 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
– 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
– Lime wedges (for serving)
Substitution notes: Swap chicken for turkey or tofu for variety. Use green bell pepper if red is unavailable, or pinto beans instead of black. For milder spice, reduce cumin. Shopping tip: Buy pre-minced garlic to save time, and check for no-salt-added beans to control seasoning.
Equipment Needed
For this one skillet chicken, you’ll need tools that make the process efficient and mess-free. A large, deep skillet with a lid is essential—its size accommodates everything without crowding, ensuring even cooking and easy stirring among skillet recipes. A sharp knife and cutting board speed up prep, while a wooden spoon helps scrape up flavorful bits.
– Large deep skillet (12-inch, oven-safe if possible)
– Lid for skillet
– Sharp chef’s knife
– Cutting board
– Small bowl (for seasoning mix)
– Measuring spoons and cups
– Wooden spoon or spatula
– Tongs (for chicken)
Prep Time & Cook Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
Timing is everything in this one skillet chicken recipe. Prep focuses on quick chopping while the skillet heats, keeping total time under 30 minutes. Start veggies first if multitasking—chicken cooks fast. Adjust heat to avoid burning; lower for simmering. These tips ensure your skillet recipes success every time.
Step-by-Step Instructions for One Skillet Chicken Delight
This one skillet chicken comes together effortlessly, with each step building incredible flavor in a single pan. Among favorite skillet recipes, its simplicity shines—no draining or transferring needed. Follow these detailed steps for juicy chicken and tender veggies every time.
1. In a small bowl, whisk together all sazon seasoning ingredients: coriander, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. This homemade blend takes 1 minute and infuses the entire dish with smoky depth. Set aside half for chicken, half for veggies—perfect for layering flavors in your one skillet chicken.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes until shimmering. Add cubed chicken breasts, sprinkle with half the sazon seasoning, and stir to coat evenly. Cook 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is browned and no longer pink inside (internal temp 165°F). Use tongs to remove to a bowl; keep skillet hot for next step.
3. In the same skillet, add remaining ½ tablespoon oil if needed. Toss in minced garlic, diced onion, and chopped red bell pepper. Sauté 4-5 minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently, until onion softens and garlic is fragrant. This builds the flavor base for your one skillet chicken—scrape up any browned bits for extra richness.
4. Add quartered zucchini slices to the skillet with corn kernels and black beans. Sprinkle remaining sazon seasoning over everything. Stir well to combine, cooking 5-7 minutes until zucchini is fork-tender but still crisp. Medium heat prevents mushiness; taste and adjust salt if needed during this one skillet chicken stage.
5. Return cooked chicken and any juices to the skillet. Stir gently to mix with veggies, then reduce heat to low. Cook 2-3 minutes uncovered, allowing flavors to meld beautifully. This resting step is key in skillet recipes for that cohesive taste.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top of the one skillet chicken mixture. Cover with lid and let melt for 2-3 minutes on low heat—the steam creates perfect gooeyness without drying out the dish.
7. Remove lid, turn off heat, and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Squeeze lime wedges over individual servings for bright zing. Serve hot straight from the skillet for family-style fun.
8. For crispier edges, uncover in the last minute and broil briefly if your skillet is oven-safe. Monitor closely to avoid over-browning—this elevates your one skillet chicken.
9. Let rest 1-2 minutes before serving; this redistributes juices. Fluff with a fork if serving over rice.
10. Enjoy immediately, or portion for meal prep. This recipe scales easily for more servings in larger skillets.
Nutritional Information
This one skillet chicken packs a nutritious punch, balancing lean protein from chicken with fiber-rich black beans and veggies. Per serving, it offers about 25g protein, supporting muscle repair and satiety. Veggies like zucchini and bell peppers provide vitamins A and C for immune health, while corn adds antioxidants.
Sazon spices contribute anti-inflammatory benefits from turmeric and cumin, without excess sodium if using low-salt beans. Whole ingredients keep it wholesome—roughly 400 calories per serving, with healthy fats from olive oil. It’s a smart choice for balanced meals.
Cheese adds calcium for bone health, but use reduced-fat if preferred. Overall, this skillet recipes star delivers sustained energy without heaviness.
Estimated Values Per Serving (1/4 of recipe):
– Calories: 400
– Protein: 25g
– Carbohydrates: 30g
– Fiber: 8g
– Fat: 18g
– Sodium: 600mg
– Vitamin C: 60% DV
Serving Suggestions & Variations
Serve this one skillet chicken hot from the pan with warm tortillas for tacos—add avocado slices for creaminess. Pair with cilantro-lime rice to soak up juices, creating a full Tex-Mex feast. It’s versatile for weeknights.
For seasonal twists, use summer squash instead of zucchini or roasted cherry tomatoes in peak season. Winter? Swap corn for diced sweet potatoes. These keep your skillet recipes fresh year-round.
Try it over quinoa for a grain bowl, topped with Greek yogurt dollops. Grill chicken first outdoors, then finish veggies indoors for smoky variation. Or bake in a casserole dish at 375°F for 15 minutes.
Ingredient swaps like chickpeas for beans or turkey for chicken maintain nutrition. Serve with a green salad dressed in lime vinaigrette for lightness.
Expert Tips & Tricks for One Skillet Chicken
Mastering one skillet chicken starts with quality prep and heat control. These pro tips, honed from countless skillet recipes, ensure restaurant results at home. Focus on even cuts and fresh spices for peak flavor.
1. Cube chicken uniformly at ½-inch for even cooking—larger pieces dry out, smaller ones toughen. Pat dry before seasoning to promote browning via Maillard reaction, boosting umami in your one skillet chicken.
2. Make sazon ahead in bulk; store in an airtight jar for up to 3 months. Double the recipe for multiple meals—this saves time and intensifies flavors as spices bloom.
3. Use avocado oil for higher smoke point if searing hot; it prevents bitterness. Medium-high initial heat creates fond (browned bits) essential for depth in skillet recipes.
4. Don’t skip draining beans—excess liquid dilutes sauce. Rinse under cold water to remove starchiness, ensuring your one skillet chicken stays saucy, not soupy.
5. Taste veggies before adding chicken back; adjust sazon if needed. Low heat at the end preserves nutrients and prevents overcooking delicate zucchini.
6. For cheesier results, mix in half the cheese early, rest on top. Cover tightly for even melt without rubberiness.
7. Fresh lime and cilantro elevate post-cook—acid cuts richness. Squeeze just before serving to avoid sogginess.
8. Scale up by using a 12-inch skillet; don’t overcrowd or steam instead of sear. Perfect for crowds.
9. Experiment with smoked paprika in sazon for BBQ twist on one skillet chicken—pairs with grilled corn.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcrowding the skillet steams chicken instead of browning it, leading to bland flavor. Solution: Cook in batches if needed, or use a larger pan. Stir minimally after adding veggies to build fond in your one skillet chicken.
Using cold oil causes sticking; always preheat until shimmering. Test with a water drop—it should sizzle. This ensures even cooking in skillet recipes.
Skipping the chicken rest post-first cook releases juices later, making it watery. Let it sit in the bowl 1 minute before returning.
Overcooking zucchini turns it mushy—aim for al dente, 5-7 minutes max. Add earlier if thicker slices.
High heat after cheese addition separates it. Low and covered melts smoothly for creamy one skillet chicken.
Not rinsing beans adds metallic taste and excess salt. Always drain and rinse thoroughly.
Ignoring internal temp risks undercooking; use thermometer for 165°F chicken safety.
Forgetting to deglaze loses flavor—scrape bits with spoon after chicken.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftover one skillet chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Cool completely first to prevent condensation, which breeds bacteria. Portion into singles for grab-and-go ease.
For freezing, use freezer-safe bags; flatten for space. Lasts 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating to maintain texture in this skillet recipes gem.
Reheat on stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth, stirring gently 3-5 minutes until hot (165°F). Microwave in covered dish with vented lid, 1-2 minutes per serving, stirring midway.
Oven method: 350°F covered dish, 10-15 minutes. Avoid high heat to prevent drying chicken. Food safety: Discard if smells off or held over 2 hours room temp.
Conclusion
This one skillet chicken captures everything great about skillet recipes: speed, flavor, and minimal cleanup. With sazon-spiced chicken nestled among colorful veggies, it’s a dish that satisfies cravings while nourishing you.
Try it tonight—your family will rave. Whip up a batch, tweak with your favorites, and enjoy easy dinners all week.
Share your twists in comments!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs in one skillet chicken?
Yes! Thighs add juiciness; cut into same-size cubes and cook 1-2 minutes longer. They hold up well in skillet recipes. Season identically for best flavor.
How do I make it spicier?
Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne to sazon or diced jalapeños with veggies. Taste after cooking chicken; adjust gradually for heat without overpowering the one skillet chicken balance.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely—freeze portions up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge, reheat stovetop with broth to restore moisture. Great for meal prep among skillet recipes.
What sides pair with one skillet chicken?
Try cilantro rice, warm tortillas, or a crisp cucumber salad. For low-carb, serve over cauliflower rice. Avocado adds creaminess.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Skip cheese or use vegan shreds. Flavors stand strong—garnish with extra lime and cilantro for brightness in your skillet dish.
How to scale for 6 servings?
Increase chicken to 1.5 lbs, veggies/beans proportionally, use larger skillet. Cook time adds 2-3 minutes; stir more frequently.
Why is my chicken tough?
Overcooking! Cube evenly, cook to 165°F exactly. Rest briefly post-cook. Fresh chicken helps too.
Vegetarian version?
Swap chicken for chickpeas or tofu; sauté like meat. Same timing—sazon shines in plant-based one skillet chicken.
Shelf life after reheating?
Reheat once; eat within 24 hours. Store separately if possible. Always check temp 165°F for safety.
Best cheese for melting?
Cheddar or mozzarella; mix for best pull. Add at low heat covered.
