30-Minute Tex Mex Chicken & Zucchini Skillet: A Healthy One-Pan Feast

Easy Tex Mex Chicken and Zucchini – Healthy One-Skillet Meal

Introduction

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s packed with bold flavor and comes together in a single pan, this Easy Tex Mex Chicken and Zucchini is your answer. Combining juicy chicken, crisp-tender zucchini, and vibrant spices, it’s a meal that feels both hearty and healthy—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. With minimal chopping and fuss, you’ll have a delicious, balanced dinner on the table in just 30 minutes!

Why This Tex Mex Chicken and Zucchini Skillet Stands Out

This recipe delivers on three fronts: It’s loaded with punchy Tex Mex flavors, uses just one pan (hello, easy cleanup!), and sneaks in a hefty serving of veggies. The combination of smoky seasoning, savory chicken, sweet corn, and tender zucchini means every bite is layered with taste and texture. Plus, it’s adjustable—swap in bell peppers, black beans, or add a sprinkle of cheese for your own custom twist.

Tex Mex Flavor, Simplified

Instead of juggling lots of spice jars, this recipe sticks to just the essentials for maximum flavor. Chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic create that signature Tex Mex profile, while fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime at the end bring a zesty, refreshing finish. Your taste buds—and your schedule—will thank you.

No-Fuss, One-Pan Method

This skillet meal is all about efficiency. Start by quickly searing your seasoned chicken to lock in moisture, then the vegetables cook right in the same pan (no extra dishes needed). A quick simmer brings all the flavors together, making this a truly hands-off, weeknight-friendly recipe.

Serving Suggestions for a Healthy, Satisfying Meal

Serve this Tex Mex chicken and zucchini hot from the skillet topped with extra cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of Greek yogurt. Spoon it over rice or cauliflower rice, wrap it in tortillas, or simply enjoy it as-is for a low-carb option. It’s just as good reheated, making leftovers a win for lunch or dinner.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes about 4 generous servings. Each serving typically delivers around 300 calories, 35 grams of protein, and 7 grams of net carbs—light but filling, with plenty of fiber and nutrients from the vegetables.

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
2 medium zucchini, halved and sliced
1/2 cup red onion, diced
1 bell pepper (any color), diced
1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
1 can (14 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Juice of 1 lime
Optional toppings: diced avocado, shredded cheese, salsa, Greek yogurt

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and seamless meal planning.

CookifyAI meal planning interface

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with half the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining olive oil, onion, bell pepper, and zucchini to the skillet. Season with the remaining spices, and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Stir in corn (and black beans, if using). Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to combine. Cook for 2–3 more minutes, until everything is heated through.
  5. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Add optional toppings if desired, and serve immediately.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Easy Tex Mex Chicken and Zucchini skillet is a meal prep superstar—make a double batch and you’ll have healthy, flavorful lunches or dinners all week. Save and schedule this recipe with CookifyAI to seamlessly organize which days you’ll feature it in your weekly lineup. You’ll get a consolidated shopping list that combines groceries from all your planned meals, streamlined for one efficient shopping trip.

**Planning Benefits:**

  • Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities across your recipes
  • Organizes shopping lists by grocery store sections—no more zigzagging!
  • Reduces food waste and forgotten items
  • Simplifies meal batching and prep for the week

Pro tip: When batch-prepping for the week, add this and your other favorite recipes to see exactly how much chicken, vegetables, and spices you need—no guesswork!

Cook and Prep Times

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

Enjoy a flavorful, easy weeknight dinner with this Tex Mex chicken and zucchini skillet—a dependable meal that makes healthy eating and planning a breeze!

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