Okay, so you know those nights when you’re just *done*? Like, the thought of cooking anything complicated makes you want to order pizza for the third time this week? Yeah, me too. That’s exactly why this Ground Chicken and Zucchini Rice Skillet became my absolute weeknight savior. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver! It’s so ridiculously easy, healthy, and everything cooks in *one pan*. I’m telling you, this recipe checks all the boxes when you need a satisfying meal without all the fuss. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’ve actually got it all together, even if you’re still in your pajamas.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Chicken and Zucchini Rice Skillet

Honestly, who has time for tons of dishes after a long day? This skillet meal is a game-changer because:

It’s ridiculously fast and easy. Seriously, you just chop a few things, toss them in a pan, and let it do its thing. Dinner is on the table in under 40 minutes, start to finish!
It’s super healthy. You get lean protein from the ground chicken, plus all those good vitamins from the zucchini. It’s a meal that actually makes you feel good about what you’re eating.
Cleanup is a breeze! Everything cooks in one skillet, which means less scrubbing and more time for, well, anything else!
It tastes amazing. Don’t let the simplicity fool you. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a comforting and delicious meal.

Quick and Easy Preparation

This recipe is designed for busy weeknights. You’ll be amazed at how little effort it takes. Just a little chopping, and then everything goes into one pan. It’s the definition of minimal fuss for maximum flavor!

Healthy and Nutritious

You’re getting a great dose of lean protein from the ground chicken, which is fantastic for keeping you full and satisfied. Plus, the zucchini adds a lovely freshness and a boost of vitamins. It’s a balanced meal that feels light but is totally filling.

One-Pan Wonder

This is the best part for me! One pan means one less thing to wash. You cook it all up in a single skillet, from browning the chicken to cooking the rice. It’s pure convenience and means less time spent at the sink.

Essential Ingredients for Ground Chicken and Zucchini Rice Skillet

Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this magic happen. It’s really just a handful of simple things you probably already have in your kitchen, or can easily grab. First up, you’ll need about a pound of ground chicken. It’s nice and lean, perfect for a healthy meal. Then, grab yourself a tablespoon of olive oil – just to get things started in the pan. You’ll want one medium onion, chopped up nice and fine, and a couple of cloves of garlic, minced. Don’t forget a medium zucchini, diced up – it adds such a great texture and a little bit of freshness. For the base, you’ll need one cup of uncooked white rice. And to get that rice cooked perfectly, you’ll need two cups of chicken broth. A teaspoon of dried oregano is essential for that lovely herby flavor, and of course, you’ll finish it off with some salt and pepper to taste. That’s it! Super straightforward.

Simple Steps to Make Your Ground Chicken and Zucchini Rice Skillet

Okay, let’s get cooking! This part is where the magic really happens, and it’s honestly so easy you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it a million times already. It all happens right there in one pan, which is my favorite kind of cooking.

Browning the Chicken and Aromatics

First things first, you need a good-sized skillet, like a nice big one. Get it over medium-high heat and add that tablespoon of olive oil. Once it’s shimmering a bit – you know, when it looks all wavy – toss in your pound of ground chicken. Now, grab a spoon and just break it all up as it cooks. You want it to get nice and browned, like, all cooked through. Once it’s good to go, carefully drain off any extra grease. Nobody wants a greasy skillet meal! Next, toss in your chopped onion. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring it around, until it gets nice and soft and a little bit see-through. Then, add in your minced garlic. Be careful, garlic can burn fast! Just cook it for about a minute until you can really smell that amazing garlicky aroma. That’s your flavor base right there!

Combining and Simmering

Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Add your diced zucchini right into the skillet with the chicken and onions. Then, dump in your cup of uncooked white rice. Pour in those two cups of chicken broth – this is what’s going to cook the rice perfectly. Sprinkle in that teaspoon of dried oregano, and then season it all up with salt and pepper to your liking. Give it all a good stir to make sure everything is mixed in. Once it’s all combined, bring the whole mixture up to a boil. As soon as you see it bubbling away, turn the heat down to low. Put a lid on that skillet nice and tight, and just let it simmer. You’re looking at about 15 to 20 minutes. The goal is for the rice to be perfectly cooked and all that liquid to be soaked up. Don’t peek too much, let the steam do its job!

Finishing Touches

Once the time is up, carefully take the lid off. You should see that all the liquid is gone and the rice looks plump and tender. Give it a gentle fluff with a fork – it helps separate the grains and makes it look so much nicer. And that’s literally it! You’ve got a delicious, healthy meal ready to go. Easy peasy!

Tips for the Perfect Ground Chicken and Zucchini Rice Skillet

You know, even with a super simple recipe like this, there are always little things you can do to make it just that much better. It’s all about those little tweaks that make a big difference!

Spice it Up: If you’re like me and love a little kick, you absolutely have to try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic. It just wakes everything up and gives it a nice little warmth without being overpowering. Seriously, try it!
Veggie Variety: Don’t be afraid to get creative with the veggies! The recipe is fantastic with just zucchini, but I often toss in some diced bell peppers or even a handful of corn kernels if I have them. They add extra color and flavor, and it’s a great way to use up whatever you have in the fridge.
Cheese Please: This is totally optional, but if you’re feeling a little extra, a sprinkle of shredded cheese right at the end is *chef’s kiss*. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a little Parmesan works beautifully. It just adds that extra layer of yummy comfort.

Serving Suggestions for Your Ground Chicken and Zucchini Rice Skillet

This skillet meal is pretty hearty on its own, but sometimes you want a little something extra, right? It’s fantastic served with a simple side salad – maybe some mixed greens with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream on top is also super yummy, kind of like a mini-cheesy topping. And if you’re feeling it, a few slices of crusty bread for soaking up any leftover juices is always a good idea!

Frequently Asked Questions about Ground Chicken and Zucchini Rice Skillet

Got questions? I’ve got answers! It’s totally normal to wonder about little tweaks or how to handle leftovers with a recipe you’re trying for the first time. Here are some common things people ask me about my Ground Chicken and Zucchini Rice Skillet!

Rice Substitutions

So, you want to use brown rice instead of white rice? Totally doable! Just know that brown rice takes a bit longer to cook. You’ll probably need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the simmering time, and you might need to add a little extra chicken broth, maybe an extra half cup or so, just to make sure it gets tender. Keep an eye on it and add liquid as needed!

Storage and Reheating

This skillet meal stores really well, which is great for meal prep! Let it cool down completely, then pop it into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It should be good for about 3-4 days. To reheat, you can pop it in the microwave or gently warm it up on the stovetop over low heat. If it seems a little dry, just add a tiny splash of water or broth when you reheat it.

Vegetable Additions

Oh, the veggie possibilities are endless! Besides bell peppers and corn that I mentioned before, you could also add diced carrots (they might need a few extra minutes to soften), chopped broccoli florets, peas, or even some chopped spinach stirred in at the very end until it wilts. Just be mindful that heartier veggies might need a little extra simmering time to get tender, so don’t be afraid to adjust the cooking time a bit!

Nutritional Information for Ground Chicken and Zucchini Rice Skillet

Just a little heads-up, the nutritional info for recipes like this one can really change depending on the brands you use and exactly how you make it. So, think of these numbers as a good estimate, not a hard-and-fast rule. It’s a pretty healthy meal overall, though!

Ground Chicken Zucchini Skillet: 1-Pan Bliss

Author: smaakvolle.nl
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and healthy one-pan meal featuring ground chicken, zucchini, and rice.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground chicken
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 cup uncooked white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Add diced zucchini, uncooked rice, chicken broth, and oregano to the skillet.
Season with salt and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Notes

For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn.
Serve with a sprinkle of shredded cheese if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: ground chicken, zucchini, rice, skillet, one-pan meal, healthy, quick dinner