Italian Chicken Skillet
A flavorful Italian-inspired chicken skillet with vegetables, rice, and melted mozzarella, perfect for a quick, hearty family dinner with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1 (2 oz.) jar sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 2/3 cup quick cooking rice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1 (9 oz.) package frozen Italian green beans ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 10-inch skillet, cook celery, green pepper, onion, and garlic in hot oil until tender.
- Stir in undrained tomatoes, cooked chicken, frozen Italian green beans, quick cooking rice, undrained sliced mushrooms, Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes or until beans and rice are done.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover and cook for 2 minutes more or until cheese is melted.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using grilled chicken or turkey instead of cooked chicken. If you're out of Italian seasoning, a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme works well. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition. This dish can be easily adjusted to fit your taste preferences, making it a versatile addition to your collection of Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Italian Chicken Skillet with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad to balance the meal. It pairs beautifully with Peas With Prosciutto for an added touch of flavor and color. You can also garnish with fresh basil or parsley to enhance the dish’s presentation and freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out and heat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. This dish also freezes well; just ensure it's cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Chicken Skillet contains roughly 667 calories, with 31g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (106% of the Daily Value), calcium (66% of the Daily Value), and protein (63% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 772mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use raw chicken. Simply dice it and sauté it in the skillet before adding the other ingredients. Ensure the chicken is cooked through before proceeding with the rest of the recipe to avoid any food safety issues.
What can I substitute for the quick cooking rice?
If you don't have quick cooking rice on hand, regular white rice or brown rice can be used, but you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Alternatively, quinoa or couscous can also work as a great substitute for a different texture and flavor.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the rice. Additionally, add more vegetables such as spinach, carrots, or zucchini to enhance the dish's flavor and texture while keeping it hearty and satisfying.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).