Lemon Pepper Chicken and Rice with Zucchini and Squash

If you’re craving a dish that’s light, flavorful, and perfect for any night of the week, Lemon Pepper Chicken and Rice with Zucchini and Squash is the answer! This simple yet vibrant meal is the perfect balance of juicy, zesty chicken, fluffy rice, and tender vegetables. The lemon pepper seasoning brings just the right amount of zing to the chicken, while the zucchini and squash soak up all the delicious flavors for a satisfying, healthy meal. It’s one of those dishes that’s both comforting and refreshing, and trust me, it’ll quickly become a weeknight favorite!

Why You’ll Love Lemon Pepper Chicken and Rice with Zucchini and Squash

Here’s why Lemon Pepper Chicken and Rice with Zucchini and Squash is sure to become a go-to:

Bright and Zesty

The lemon pepper seasoning brings a refreshing tang to the chicken and vegetables, making every bite pop with flavor.

Easy to Make

This dish comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy nights when you want something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Healthy and Light

Packed with lean chicken, veggies, and rice, this meal is wholesome and balanced. It’s full of fiber and protein, making it both filling and nutritious.

Customizable

You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your preferences. Swap out the rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice, or try different veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms.

All-in-One Meal

With the chicken, rice, and veggies all cooked together, this is an easy, no-fuss meal that requires minimal cleanup.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need for Lemon Pepper Chicken and Rice with Zucchini and Squash

Here’s everything you need to make this flavorful dish:

For the Chicken:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish, as they cook quickly and absorb all the flavors.
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning: The star of the dish! This zesty seasoning gives the chicken its fresh and tangy kick.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken and giving it that perfect golden brown crust.
• Garlic Powder: A little garlic flavor brings out the savory side of the chicken.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.

For the Rice:

• White Rice: Fluffy white rice is the base of this dish. It soaks up all the delicious juices from the chicken and veggies.
• Chicken Broth: Adds rich flavor to the rice as it cooks, making it more savory.
• Lemon Zest: To add a bright burst of lemon flavor to the rice.

For the Veggies:

• Zucchini: Light, tender, and slightly sweet, zucchini adds a great texture and flavor to the dish.
• Yellow Squash: Slightly sweet and soft when cooked, yellow squash complements the zucchini perfectly.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the veggies and bringing out their sweetness.
• Fresh Herbs: Optional fresh parsley or thyme to garnish and add a pop of color.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are included in the recipe card below.)

Instructions: How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken and Rice with Zucchini and Squash

Let’s break it down step-by-step to make this delicious dish:

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Start by slicing the zucchini and yellow squash into rounds. Set them aside. Also, zest the lemon for later and have your rice and chicken ready to go.

2. Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.

3. Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed, and toss in the sliced zucchini and squash. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender and lightly browned. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

4. Cook the Rice

While the veggies are cooking As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through our affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are always honest and unbiased. Thank you for your support!, prepare the rice. In a separate saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a simmer. Add the rice and lemon zest, and cover. Let it cook for about 15 minutes or until the rice is fluffy and fully cooked.

5. Combine and Serve

Once everything is cooked, slice the chicken into strips or leave it whole—totally up to you! To serve, plate the rice, top with the sautéed veggies, and arrange the chicken on top. Sprinkle some fresh parsley or thyme for a fresh finish.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 400
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 350mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 30g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Lemon Pepper Chicken and Rice with Zucchini and Squash

This dish can stand alone as a satisfying meal, but if you’re looking to round it out, here are a few ideas:

• Side Salad: Pair it with a fresh green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness of the chicken and rice.
• Garlic Bread: A slice of garlic bread on the side is always a good idea to soak up any extra flavors.
• Steamed Vegetables: If you want to add even more vegetables to the meal, steamed broccoli or green beans would make a nice complement.
• Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top just before serving adds even more brightness to the dish.

Additional Tips

Add a Splash of White Wine

If you like a little extra depth of flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine after cooking As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through our affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are always honest and unbiased. Thank you for your support! the chicken. This will create a delicious pan sauce to pour over the chicken and rice.

Use Brown Rice

For a heartier, more fiber-packed version, swap the white rice for brown rice. Just be sure to cook it a little longer, as brown rice takes more time to cook.

Make It a One-Pan Meal

If you prefer minimal cleanup, after cooking As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through our affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are always honest and unbiased. Thank you for your support! the chicken, you can cook the rice and vegetables in the same skillet. Just be sure to remove the chicken, add the broth and rice, and cover to let it cook.

Double the Recipe for Leftovers

This recipe is great for meal prep! You can easily double the ingredients and enjoy the leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A1: Yes! Chicken thighs will work perfectly and add a bit more flavor due to their higher fat content. Just be sure to cook them through.

Q2: Can I make this dish in the oven instead of on the stove?
A2: Yes, you can roast the chicken and veggies in the oven. Simply season and bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, and roast the veggies on a separate tray.

Q3: Can I use frozen zucchini and squash?
A3: Fresh zucchini and squash are best for this recipe, but you can use frozen. Just be sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.

Q4: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A4: Absolutely! You can cook the chicken and rice ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat everything before serving.

Q5: Can I use a different grain instead of rice?
A5: Yes! Quinoa, couscous, or cauliflower rice would all make great alternatives.

Q6: Is this dish gluten-free?
A6: Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and double-check your seasoning blends.

Q7: Can I use a different seasoning besides lemon pepper?
A7: Of course! You can use garlic and herb seasoning, Italian seasoning, or even a bit of paprika for a different flavor profile.

Q8: Can I make this dish spicier?
A8: If you like a bit of heat, try adding some red pepper flakes to the chicken or veggies while sautéing them.

Q9: How do I store leftovers?
A9: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove for best results.

Q10: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
A10: Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes would work wonderfully. Just be sure to cook them until tender.

Conclusion

There you have it—Lemon Pepper Chicken and Rice with Zucchini and Squash! This meal is everything you want in a weeknight dish: quick, easy, flavorful, and packed with goodness. The zesty lemon pepper seasoning, tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant veggies all come together to create a dish that’s as satisfying as it is fresh. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the whole family, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.

And the best part? It’s so versatile and customizable. You can switch up the veggies or seasoning to suit your preferences, and it’s easy to make ahead for even less stress during the week. So grab those ingredients, fire up the stove, and treat yourself to a meal that’s both comforting and light. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!

Happy cooking!

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