Tex Mex Chicken and Zucchini (Print version)
Vibrant one-pan skillet with spiced chicken, zucchini, black beans, and melted cheese
# What you'll need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
→ Vegetables
02 - 2 medium zucchinis diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper diced
04 - 1 small red onion diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic minced
06 - 1 can black beans 15 oz drained and rinsed
07 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
08 - 1 jalapeño seeded and finely chopped
09 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
→ Spices and Seasoning
10 - 2 tsp chili powder
11 - 1 tsp ground cumin
12 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
13 - ½ tsp ground coriander
14 - ½ tsp sea salt
15 - ¼ tsp black pepper
→ Dairy
16 - 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
→ Other
17 - 2 tbsp olive oil
18 - Juice of 1 lime
# How to make it:
01 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and season with half the chili powder, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate.
02 - In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and jalapeño; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in zucchini and cherry tomatoes. Cook, stirring often, for 4–5 minutes until zucchini is just tender.
04 - Return chicken to the pan. Add black beans and sprinkle with remaining spices. Mix to combine and cook for 2 more minutes to heat through.
05 - Remove from heat. Squeeze lime juice over the top and sprinkle with cheese. Cover for 2 minutes until cheese is melted. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately.
# Expert suggestions:
01 -
- Everything happens in one pan which means dinner is ready in under 40 minutes with minimal cleanup
- The spice blend hits that perfect balance between comforting and exciting without being overwhelming
02 -
- Dont crowd the pan when searing the chicken or it will steam instead of getting that beautiful golden crust
- The lime juice should be added off the heat to preserve its bright flavor and prevent it from tasting cooked
03 -
- Let your skillet get properly hot before adding the chicken to ensure even browning
- Taste the zucchini as it cooks and remove from heat while it still has a slight crunch