Name: Tex Mex Chicken and Zucchini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: Chicken (boneless skinless breasts, thighs, or tenders); Zucchini (green or yellow, or other squash varieties); Bell peppers (any color); Corn (frozen, fresh, or canned); Black beans (canned, drained); Diced tomatoes (canned, low-sodium); Onion and garlic; Cilantro; Spices: cumin, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper; Shredded cheese (Colby Jack, Tex Mex, or cheddar); Lime; Cooking oil (avocado or olive oil)

Tex Mex Chicken and Zucchini is a quick and flavorful one-pan dish that combines chicken, zucchini, black beans, corn, and tomatoes with a Tex-Mex twist. Topped with melted cheese and fresh cilantro, this recipe delivers a satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy and Quick: A 30-minute, one-pan meal that’s simple to prepare.
Healthy: Low carb and loaded with lean protein, fiber, and nutrients from fresh vegetables and beans.
Flavorful: The combination of cumin, taco seasoning, and lime creates a zesty and well-balanced flavor.
Versatile: Customize with different vegetables, and add your choice of cheese for variation.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken (boneless skinless breasts, thighs, or tenders)
Zucchini (green or yellow, or other squash varieties)
Bell peppers (any color)
Corn (frozen, fresh, or canned)
Black beans (canned, drained)
Diced tomatoes (canned, low-sodium)
Onion and garlic
Cilantro
Spices: cumin, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper
Shredded cheese (Colby Jack, Tex Mex, or cheddar)
Lime
Cooking oil (avocado or olive oil)

Directions

Sauté Veggies: Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add oil and sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers for about 3 minutes.
Cook Chicken: Move the veggies to the side and add chicken pieces. Sprinkle with cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Other Ingredients: Stir in corn, beans, tomatoes, zucchini, taco seasoning, and the remaining cumin. Cover and cook on low-medium for 10 minutes, ensuring the zucchini remains firm.
Melt Cheese: Sprinkle cheese over the chicken and zucchini. Cover and cook for an additional few minutes until the cheese is melted.
Serve: Top with cilantro and green onions. Serve hot, alone or with rice or quinoa.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and use extra beans or tofu as a protein substitute.
Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or increase taco seasoning for more heat.
Grilled Chicken: For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken before adding it to the pan.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans?

Yes, feel free to swap black beans with kidney beans or pinto beans for variation.

How do I know when the zucchini is done?

Zucchini should be tender but firm; avoid overcooking it to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs, but increase the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked through.

How do I make this recipe spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or increase the amount of taco seasoning and cumin for extra heat.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can chop the veggies and chicken in advance to make the cooking process faster.

Can I use other squash varieties?

Yes, patty pan squash or chayote are great alternatives to zucchini.

What can I serve this dish with?

Serve it with brown rice, quinoa, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend of cheeses are great substitutes.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.

How do I store leftover cheese?

Store any leftover shredded cheese in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Conclusion

Tex Mex Chicken and Zucchini is a flavorful, healthy, and easy meal that fits well into any busy schedule. With its minimal prep time and fresh ingredients, it’s the perfect go-to dish for a weeknight dinner.