Skillet chicken and summer squash quinoa

A one-pan meal that is full of protein and vegetables is perfect for a weeknight meal and for using up some summer time zucchini.

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When summer squash is in season, I love to use them in many ways. In this meal I used a mix of zucchini and yellow summer squash. You can use any summer squash you have on hand.

I love meals that are made all in one pan for an easy clean-up and for a busy weeknight meal. This meal is all cooked in a cast iron skillet with a lid. 

This dinner contains chicken and quinoa in addition to the summer squash. It is made flavorful with onion, garlic, oregano, a bit of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. 

Then at the end it is topped with some cheese until it becomes all melted. I like to use a mix of cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese for the flavor and the melty factor.

Are you looking for more zucchini and summer squash recipes? Check out this round-up of of 45+ Zucchini Recipes for Zucchini Season. 

This recipe uses quinoa, which is a seed, not a grain. I like to use quinoa occasionally as something different instead of rice or pasta. 

If you have not tried quinoa before, it tastes a bit nutty to me and is easy to cook. You need to rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer before you cook it until the water runs clear. This removes some of its natural coating which can make it taste quite bitter when cooked.

If you have some zucchini or other summer squash to use up, give this meal a try. It's a great way to enjoy zucchini and make a one-pan meal on a summer evening.

Yield: about 4 servings

Author: Amy (Savory Moments)

Skillet Chicken and Summer Squash Quinoa

A one-pan meal that is full of protein and vegetables is perfect for a weeknight meal and for using up some summer time zucchini.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• about 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/3 cup finely chopped sweet white/yellow onion
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• pinch red pepper flakes
• 3 heaped cups diced zucchini/summer squash (I used a mix of zucchini and yellow squash)
• 1 cup quinoa, well rinsed
• 1 cup water or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a 9-10-inch skillet with a lid over medium heat. Add the chicken and onion and a good pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through. Stir in the garlic, oregano, and red pepper, and cook for about 1 minute.
3. Stir in the zucchini/summer squash. Add the water/broth and quinoa. Bring to a low boil and reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir well and cover.
4. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the quinoa is softened (it will "open"), about 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Give it another stir and then top with cheese. Put the lid back on until the cheese is melted, about 2 minutes.
6. Top with parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

If all your broth/water has been absorbed and the quinoa is not fully cooked, add about another 1/2 cup. The summer squashes will also release liquid as they cook, so getting the perfect amount of liquid can be a little tricky.

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I hope you give this skillet chicken and summer squash quinoa a try! Let me know in the comments below.

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This post was originally published in 2015 and has been updated in 2023 with a recipe card, new text, and more to improve reader experience.

Check out these other zucchini and summer squash recipes: 

Yellow Summer Squash Casserole

Zucchini Garlic Alfredo Pizza

Bread & Butter Refrigerator Zucchini Pickles  

Yellow Squash Banana Bread

Lemon Zucchini Bread