When you need dinner on the table fast and don’t want a sink full of dishes, this Tex Mex Chicken and Zucchini skillet is your new best friend. It’s colorful, cheesy, and bursting with bold southwestern flavors that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
This one-pan wonder is perfect for busy weeknights, keto meal plans, or anyone looking to sneak more veggies into their dinner rotation. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or boring.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means a happier cook. Everything cooks in one skillet, so you can spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meal.
Low Carb: Zucchini replaces rice or beans for a lighter, veggie-packed meal. It’s naturally low in carbs and high in nutrients, making it perfect for keto or low-carb diets.
Fast: It goes from fridge to table in under 25 minutes. This is real-life cooking for real-life busy people!
Family Friendly: Even picky eaters love the cheesy, familiar flavors. The zucchini blends right in with all the Tex Mex goodness.
Ingredients
Chicken Breast: Diced small for quick cooking. Smaller pieces mean faster cook time and more surface area for all that taco seasoning.
Zucchini: Chopped into half-moons. It cooks fast and absorbs flavor like a sponge, soaking up all those delicious spices.
Black Beans & Corn: (Optional for Keto) Adds texture and classic Tex Mex flavor. Skip these if you’re keeping it strictly low-carb.
Taco Seasoning: Use your favorite packet or homemade blend. Homemade gives you control over sodium and spice level.
Cheese: A Mexican blend or cheddar melts beautifully on top. The gooey, melted cheese is what makes this dish irresistible.
Aromatics: Onions and garlic add depth and savory flavor. Don’t skip these—they’re the flavor foundation!
Salsa: (Optional) Adds moisture and extra flavor. Use a chunky variety for best results.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sear Chicken: Season diced chicken with taco seasoning. Cook in a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through (about 6-7 minutes). Remove from pan and set aside.
2. Sauté Veggies: Add zucchini, onions, and garlic to the same pan. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until crisp-tender (don’t let them get mushy!). You want a little bite left in the zucchini.
3. Combine: Return chicken to the pan. Add black beans, corn, and salsa if using. Stir everything together and heat through for about 2 minutes.
4. Melt Cheese: Sprinkle cheese generously over the top. Cover with a lid for 2 minutes until bubbly and melted to perfection.
5. Finish: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro and green onions. Serve immediately while everything is hot and melty.
Tips for Success
Don’t Overcook Zucchini: It releases water when overcooked. Keep it slightly crisp for the best texture and to avoid a watery skillet.
Drain Salsa: If adding salsa, use a chunky one and drain excess liquid so the skillet isn’t watery. A few spoonfuls of drained salsa go a long way.
Use High Heat: Searing the zucchini quickly adds flavor without turning it to mush. High heat creates those beautiful golden-brown edges.
Season Generously: Zucchini can be bland on its own, so don’t be shy with the taco seasoning. Taste and adjust as you go.
Tex Mex Chicken and Zucchini Variations
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken while cooking. Fresh jalapeños give the best flavor!
Extra Creamy: Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese before topping with shredded cheese. This creates a luscious, velvety texture.
Turkey Swap: Use ground turkey instead of chicken breast for a different texture. Brown it with the taco seasoning just like you would the diced chicken.
Veggie Boost: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes. The more colors, the more nutrients!
Dairy Free: Skip the cheese and top with cashew cheese or nutritional yeast. You can also add extra avocado for creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream on top. The cool, creamy contrast is absolutely perfect with the spicy chicken.
Great inside soft tortillas for tacos or burritos. Just scoop the skillet mixture into warm tortillas and you’ve got Tex Mex magic.
Serve over cauliflower rice for a fuller meal that’s still low-carb. This turns it into a complete bowl situation.
Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving. That bright citrus really makes all the flavors pop!
FAQs
Is zucchini keto?
Yes, it is a very low-carb vegetable perfect for keto diets. One medium zucchini has only about 6 grams of carbs.
Can I freeze this?
Zucchini tends to get mushy when frozen and reheated, so it’s best eaten fresh. The chicken and other components freeze fine, but the texture won’t be the same.
Can I use yellow squash?
Absolutely, summer squash works just as well. You can even do a mix of both for extra color and variety!
Final Thoughts
This Tex Mex Chicken and Zucchini skillet is the definition of healthy comfort food. It’s cheesy, spicy, and packed with wholesome ingredients your family will love—all without the carb-heavy sides.
The best part? You only have one pan to wash when dinner is done. That’s a win in anyone’s book!
Pin this recipe to your low-carb dinner board and save it for your next busy weeknight! Share it with friends who are always looking for quick, healthy meal ideas. Let’s make weeknight cooking easier together, one skillet at a time.
Cheesy Tex Mex Chicken and Zucchini Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season diced chicken evenly with taco seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 6–7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add zucchini, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Return chicken to the skillet. Stir in black beans, corn, and salsa if using. Cook 2 minutes until heated through.
- Sprinkle cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover and let sit 2 minutes until melted and bubbly.
- Remove from heat, garnish with cilantro and green onions, and serve immediately.