Description
This Chicken with Zucchini and Squash recipe captures the essence of Mediterranean home cooking. Tender chicken thighs simmer with zucchini, yellow squash, lemon, and oregano in one skillet. The result is a vibrant, nourishing, and aromatic meal bursting with fresh garden flavors that feel both rustic and elegant.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
2 medium yellow squash, sliced into half-moons
1 large yellow onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp dried oregano (preferably Greek oregano)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp oregano.
2. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté onion for 4-5 minutes until soft.
4. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add zucchini and yellow squash. Sprinkle with remaining oregano, salt, and pepper. Sauté 5-7 minutes until just beginning to soften.
6. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
7. Return chicken to skillet, nestling among vegetables. Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
Sear the chicken first to build deep flavor.
Use fresh lemon juice for the best taste—avoid bottled.
Don’t overcook the vegetables; they should remain slightly firm.
Greek oregano gives the most authentic Mediterranean flavor.
Reheat gently with a splash of broth to keep the chicken moist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course, Chicken
- Method: Skillet, One-Pot
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with vegetables
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg