If you’re looking for a dish that brings bold flavors and delightful ease right to your dinner table, let me introduce you to the marvelously zesty One Pan Sazon Skillet Chicken. This recipe boasts an explosion of taste in every bite, all while maintaining the simplicity that makes it a favorite go-to meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan wonder: Enjoy the ease of a recipe that minimizes clean-up without compromising on flavor.
- Customizable seasoning: Control the heat and taste by adjusting the sazon spice blend to your liking.
- Nutritious and satisfying: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, this dish is as wholesome as it is delicious.
- Quick and easy: From start to finish, have a full meal ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather a handful of pantry staples and fresh vegetables to create a dish that looks as vibrant as it tastes. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor that meld together in the skillet.
- Cumin and Turmeric: These spices form the heart of the sazon seasoning, imparting a warm, earthy aroma.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Lean and tender, it absorbs flavors beautifully while remaining juicy.
- Red Bell Pepper: Adds a sweet crunch that complements the savory notes of the dish.
- Zucchini: Brings a green freshness that softens just right as it cooks.
- Black Beans: Provide a hearty texture and additional protein to the meal.
Variations
Feel free to play around with this recipe! Whether you’re adjusting for dietary restrictions or simply want to spice things up, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your family’s preferences.
- Make It Spicy: Add extra cayenne or diced jalapeños for an irresistible kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with more beans or tofu for a satisfying meatless meal.
How to Make One Pan Sazon Skillet Chicken
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix together the homemade sazon spices. Heat a tablespoon of oil in your skillet and cook the diced chicken, generously coating it with half the sazon spices. Let it cook for about 6-8 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil and toss in the garlic, onion, and bell pepper. Sauté them until the onion becomes tender. Add the zucchini, corn, black beans, and the remaining sazon blend. Cook for another 5-10 minutes until the zucchini is just tender without losing its bite.
Step 3: Combine and Melt the Cheese
Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, allowing the flavors to merge. Lower the heat, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, and cover until the cheese melts into gooey perfection. This should take just 3-5 minutes. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making One Pan Sazon Skillet Chicken
- Spice Balance: Use the sazon seasoning in parts, seasoning the chicken first to lock in flavors during the cooking process.
- Vegetables Al Dente: Cook the zucchini just until fork-tender; this maintains its texture and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Cheese Melt Technique: Lower the heat and cover once you’ve added the cheese to ensure a beautifully gooey topping.
- Heat Control: Adjust the amount of cayenne or add fresh chilies if you prefer a spicier kick.
How to Serve One Pan Sazon Skillet Chicken
Garnishes
Brighten up your meal with fresh green onions and chopped cilantro, offering a pop of color and freshness that balances the rich flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of cooked rice or quinoa, making the meal more filling. Try serving it with a fresh green salad to enhance the nutritional balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the One Pan Sazon Skillet Chicken in individual bowls topped with Greek yogurt or a spicy hot sauce drizzle, elevating the visual appeal and taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. This way, you have a quick and delicious meal ready for reheating.
Freezing
To freeze, cool the dish completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Remember to label your container with the date!
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If necessary, add a touch of water to keep it from drying out.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of beans?
Absolutely! While black beans are my preferred choice for their flavor, kidney beans or chickpeas would make excellent substitutes.
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Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?
Yes, simply omit the cayenne pepper, or use it sparingly to reduce the heat while still enjoying the savory flavors.
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Can I prepare the sazon seasoning ahead of time?
Certainly! Mix up a batch of the sazon spices and store them in an airtight container for convenience when cooking.
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What if I don’t have fresh corn?
No problem, you can use canned or frozen corn as a simple and quick alternative while still maintaining great flavor.
Final Thoughts
The One Pan Sazon Skillet Chicken is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a meal that’s both satisfying and delightful. If you’re looking for something that’s easy to prepare yet packs a punch of flavor, give this recipe a try. It’s sure to earn a spot in your weeknight dinner rotation!
Print
One Pan Sazon Skillet Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Latin American-inspired
Description
A flavorful and hearty one-pan skillet dish combining seasoned chicken with colorful vegetables, black beans, corn, and melted cheese, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the sazon seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
For the skillet:
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil, divided
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, chopped into 1/2 inch cubes
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced and quartered
- 3/4 cup corn off the cob
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- Additional salt and pepper, to taste
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For serving:
- Green onion
- Cilantro
- Greek Yogurt
- Hot Sauce
- Cooked Rice
Instructions
- Mix Sazon Spices: In a small bowl, combine cumin, coriander, turmeric, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of oil to a large deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped chicken and sprinkle with half of the sazon spices, stirring well to coat. Cook for 6-8 minutes until fully cooked and no longer pink. Transfer chicken to a bowl and set aside, keeping the pan hot.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the remaining ½ tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add minced garlic, diced onion, and chopped bell pepper. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the onion is tender. Then add sliced zucchini, corn, black beans, and the remaining spices. Stir to coat and cook for another 5-10 minutes until zucchini is fork-tender.
- Combine & Melt Cheese: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir well to combine all the flavors. Reduce heat to low, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top, cover, and let melt for 3-5 minutes.
- Serve: Serve hot on its own or over cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro. Offer Greek yogurt, hot sauce, or other preferred toppings for added flavor.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving.
- To make this dish dairy-free, omit the cheese or substitute with dairy-free cheese shreds.
- This meal is versatile; feel free to add other vegetables or spice levels according to your taste.
- Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, cooking time is about 20 minutes, making the total time around 30 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning and spice levels according to preference, especially the cayenne for heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 336 kcal
- Sugar: 2.5 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 12.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23.5 g
- Fiber: 5.2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
