Searching for a delicious, healthy meal that’s on the table in under 30 minutes? Look no further. This Low-Carb Chicken and Vegetable Skillet is the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers. It’s a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly easy one-pan meal that packs a serious nutritional punch without the carbs. You get tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce all cooked together in a single skillet. Cleanup is a breeze, and the recipe is endlessly customizable to what you have in your fridge.
We designed this recipe for busy home cooks who refuse to compromise on flavor. It’s naturally gluten-free, keto-friendly, and perfect for meal prep. Let’s dive into what makes this simple dish a true standout.
Why This Low-Carb Chicken and Vegetable Skillet is a Weeknight Winner
This isn’t just another boring chicken and veggie dish. Here’s why you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
- Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those hectic evenings when you need something fast and satisfying.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor infusion.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein and nutrient-dense vegetables, this dish is naturally low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free.
- Endlessly Customizable: Swap out the veggies based on the season or your preference. This recipe is a fantastic way to use up produce.
The Cast of Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. We’re using fresh, whole ingredients to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor.
For the Skillet
- Chicken Breast: We use boneless, skinless chicken breast for a lean source of protein. Cut it into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Broccoli & Cauliflower Florets: These hearty low-carb veggies add great texture and soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Bell Peppers: We love a mix of red and yellow for color and sweetness, but any color works!
- Red Onion: Adds a touch of sharp, savory flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must for the best aroma and taste.
For the Savory Sauce
- Olive Oil: The base for our sauce and for cooking the chicken and veggies.
- Coconut Aminos: A fantastic low-carb, gluten-free alternative to soy sauce that adds a savory, slightly sweet flavor.
- Smoked Paprika: Lends a wonderful smoky depth.
- Dried Oregano: For a touch of earthy, Mediterranean flavor.
- Salt & Black Pepper: To taste.
How to Make The Perfect Low-Carb Chicken and Vegetable Skillet
Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps for a flawless one-pan meal.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and cut them into 1-inch pieces. Season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat half of the olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining olive oil to the same skillet. Add the red onion and bell peppers, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine and Finish: Add the broccoli and cauliflower florets to the skillet along with the coconut aminos and oregano. Stir to combine. Cover the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together to coat in the sauce. Cook for 1-2 more minutes to heat through.
- Serve Hot: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Maximum Flavor
Want to take your low-carb skillet to the next level? Here are a few expert tips.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Use a large skillet to ensure the chicken and vegetables have enough space to sear rather than steam. This creates a better texture and deeper flavor.
- Get a Good Sear: Make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken. A good sear locks in the juices and adds a delicious caramelized flavor.
- Fresh is Best: While dried herbs and garlic powder work in a pinch, using fresh garlic and herbs will always yield a more vibrant and aromatic dish.
This dish is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with cauliflower rice to soak up any extra sauce.
Delicious Variations to Try
One of the best things about this Low-Carb Chicken and Vegetable Skillet recipe is how easy it is to adapt.
Change Up the Veggies
Feel free to substitute with other low-carb vegetables. Zucchini, asparagus, mushrooms, or green beans are all excellent choices. Just be mindful of cooking times, as softer vegetables will cook more quickly.
Spice It Up
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic. For a different flavor profile, try adding a teaspoon of cumin or a squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end.
Storage and Meal Prep Instructions
This recipe is a meal prep dream! To store, allow the skillet to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or gently reheat the entire dish in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. This makes for a perfect grab-and-go lunch. For more easy meal ideas, check out this Low-Carb Cheesy Chicken Bake.
More Delicious Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed this simple skillet meal, you’ll love these other easy dinner recipes. This Sheet-Pan Mediterranean Chicken is another one-pan wonder, and for a comforting classic, try our Garlic Butter Roast Chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this is an excellent meal prep recipe. You can cook a large batch and portion it out into individual containers. It holds up well in the fridge and makes for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Of course! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great substitute. They will add more flavor and richness to the dish due to their higher fat content. Just be sure to cut them into similar 1-inch pieces and cook them until they are no longer pink inside.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes.
Yes, absolutely! This recipe is specifically designed to be low in carbohydrates and high in protein and healthy fats, making it perfectly suitable for a ketogenic diet. We use low-carb vegetables and coconut aminos to keep the net carbs to a minimum.
This recipe is very versatile. You can easily swap or add other low-carb vegetables like sliced zucchini, asparagus tips, mushrooms, or green beans. Adjust the cooking time as needed, adding harder vegetables first and softer ones later.
Low-Carb Chicken and Vegetable Skillet Recipe
Low-Carb Chicken and Vegetable Skillet (Ready in 30 Mins!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and cut them into 1-inch pieces. Season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Add the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the red onion and bell peppers, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the broccoli and cauliflower florets to the skillet along with the coconut aminos and oregano. Stir to combine. Cover the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together to coat in the sauce. Cook for 1-2 more minutes to heat through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutions: Feel free to use other low-carb vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or mushrooms.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Share Your Creation!
We hope you love this quick and easy Low-Carb Chicken and Vegetable Skillet as much as we do. If you make it, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest!
