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As the school year kicks into gear, parents often find themselves juggling a hectic schedule filled with classes, extracurricular activities, and homework. With these busy days, the need for quick, nutritious meals becomes paramount. Enter the Back to School Chicken Skillet—a culinary lifesaver that combines convenience with health, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners. This one-pan dish not only simplifies cleanup but also packs a nutritional punch, ensuring that your family fuels up with all the essential nutrients needed for learning and growth.

Back To School Chicken Skillet

Discover the perfect dinner solution for busy school nights with our Back to School Chicken Skillet recipe. This one-pan meal combines lean chicken, vibrant veggies, and wholesome grains like quinoa or brown rice for a nutritious and satisfying dish. Easy to prepare and quick to clean up, it's packed with essential nutrients to fuel your family's busy days. Customize it to your taste and enjoy the delicious flavors while ensuring your family eats healthy effortlessly!

Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or green), diced

1 cup broccoli florets

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup cooked quinoa or rice

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Ingredients: Start by dicing the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Next, chop the onion and bell pepper, then mince the garlic. Set all your prepared ingredients aside for easy access during cooking.

    Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

      Add the Aromatics: After the chicken is cooked, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the kitchen fills with the delightful aroma of garlic.

        Incorporate Vegetables: Stir in the diced bell pepper and broccoli florets. Continue to cook the mixture for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender yet still crisp.

          Mix in Quinoa/Rice and Tomatoes: Add the cooked quinoa or rice along with the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Gently stir everything together, allowing the mixture to warm through for an additional 3-4 minutes.

            Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the skillet mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.

              Serve: Once the cheese has melted to your liking, remove the skillet from heat. If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious and wholesome back-to-school chicken skillet!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings