This Easy Tex Mex Chicken and Zucchini dish is colorful and full of flavor! Juicy chicken cooks with fresh zucchini, tomatoes, and spices to create a tasty meal that everyone will love.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is the vegetable star here! If you can’t find any, yellow squash works well too. It’s slightly sweeter but cooks similarly and brings a nice color to your dish.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for this recipe. If you’re looking for a quicker option, use rotisserie chicken already cooked and shredded.
Spices: The blend of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika gives that Tex Mex flavor. If you’re out of smoked paprika, skip it or use regular paprika, but try to add a touch of liquid smoke if you have it for that smoky taste.
Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are convenient and good to use. For a fresh twist, you can substitute them with a couple of chopped fresh tomatoes or even a spoonful of salsa!
How Can I Cook Chicken Perfectly in This Recipe?
Getting juicy and tender chicken is key. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Start with medium-high heat to get a good sear on the chicken. This locks in moisture.
- Make sure the chicken pieces are uniformly cut so they cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet. If needed, cook in batches to avoid steaming the chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer; chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, cook until the center is no longer pink.
By following these tips, your chicken will turn out delicious and perfectly cooked every time! Enjoy your cooking! 🍽️
Easy Tex Mex Chicken and Zucchini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Vegetables & Chicken:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
Condiments & Spices:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of 1 lime
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook, for a total of 25 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This will help your ingredients cook evenly and get that yummy flavor started!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Next, add the diced onion to the skillet. Sauté it for about 3 minutes until it’s nice and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. This is where your kitchen starts to smell amazing!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Now, add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Season them with salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if you want some heat. Cook the chicken until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so all sides cook evenly.
4. Add the Veggies:
Stir in the diced red bell pepper and zucchini slices next. Cook everything together for another 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still a little crisp. We want all that crunchiness to stay!
5. Stir in the Tomatoes:
Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and let everything simmer together for about 3-4 minutes. This helps all of those wonderful flavors really meld.
6. Final Touches:
After simmering, turn off the heat and squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish. Stir to mix everything, and your lovely Tex Mex chicken and zucchini is ready!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish your dish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot, and enjoy with rice, tortillas, or any of your favorite Tex Mex sides. Buon appetit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorites. Corn, yellow squash, or even spinach will work beautifully in this dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for any veggies that cook more quickly or slowly.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you love heat, you can add more cayenne pepper or even some diced jalapeños for an extra kick! Alternatively, serve with a hot salsa or hot sauce on the side to spice it up to your taste.
Can I Use Leftover Chicken?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for using leftover cooked chicken. Just skip the initial browning step and add the chicken when you would usually add the vegetables. It’ll only take a few minutes to warm through!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if it looks dry to keep it moist!
