Protein-Packed Chicken & Beef Veggie Skillet

There’s something instantly comforting about a skillet full of sizzling proteins and bright vegetables — the warm, savory aroma of garlic and paprika mingling with the caramel notes from seared meat. Each bite offers a contrast: tender chicken, juicy beef, a pop from bell peppers, and the slight crunch of broccoli and carrots. This is the kind of recipe that fills the kitchen with cozy energy and gets everyone to the table.

This dish is perfect for weeknight family dinners when you want something quick, nutritious, and satisfying; it’s equally welcome at casual gatherings or as a make-ahead weekend meal for busy weekdays. If you’re exploring more low-carb, high-protein meal ideas for the family, take a look at this helpful round-up I like: 12 quick & easy low-carb, high-protein meals.

At a Glance

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6 people
• Difficulty Level: Easy — family-friendly and forgiving

Nutrition Highlights

Nutrition estimates per serving (approximate). Values calculated using USDA FoodData Central averages and standard portion sizes; actual values will vary by brand, exact cuts, and portioning.

• Calories: ~480 kcal
• Protein: ~52 g
• Carbohydrates: ~13 g
• Fat: ~18 g
• Fiber: ~5 g
• Sodium: ~400–550 mg (higher if using salted canned beans or added salt)

Notes: These are estimates intended for guidance. For personalized dietary advice or strict tracking, consult a registered dietitian or check precise ingredient labels. Trusted sources for nutrition data include USDA FoodData Central and guidance from government health sites.

Why You’ll Love It

• Flavor & Texture: The combination of seared chicken and beef gives you deep savory notes and satisfying mouthfeel, while the vegetables bring freshness, color, and contrast.
• Family Appeal: It’s a “one-pan” style meal that pleases both adults and kids — meaty and familiar but with added vegetables that sneak in fiber and micronutrients.
• Health Benefits: High in lean protein (supports muscle maintenance and satiety), moderate in carbohydrates (good for low-carb preferences), and full of colorful vegetables for vitamins and fiber.
• Speed & Flexibility: Ready in about 40 minutes and highly adaptable depending on what’s in your fridge or family dietary needs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7 works well)
• 4 large eggs (optional — for extra protein and a silky finish)
• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed (or 1½ cups cooked black beans)
• 2 cups broccoli florets (about 150 g)
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced or julienned
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 2 tsp garlic powder (or 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley, cilantro, or green onions)

Optional ingredients & substitutions

• Swap black beans for kidney beans, chickpeas, or omit for lower carbs.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey for leaner fat profile.
• Use sweet potato cubes instead of carrots for a slightly sweeter, heartier dish.
• For a vegetarian version, replace meats with extra firm tofu or tempeh and add a cup of quinoa.

Cooking steps

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Season the chicken and beef with spices: garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. In a large pan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
4. Cook chicken until golden brown (about 6–8 minutes), then remove and set aside; add a bit more oil if needed. Add the beef to the pan and cook until browned and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes), breaking it up with a spatula.
5. In a separate pot, boil or steam the vegetables until tender-crisp (3–5 minutes for broccoli, 2–3 minutes for carrots), then drain.
6. Mix the cooked proteins and veggies together in the large pan; add the drained black beans and gently fold until evenly combined. If using eggs, push the mixture to the pan edges, add 1 tbsp oil to center, crack eggs and scramble or cook to your preferred doneness, then mix through.
7. Drizzle with remaining olive oil and season to taste. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
8. Serve warm, and enjoy!

Practical tips

• Avoid overcrowding the pan when searing: cook the chicken and beef in batches if needed to get a good sear.
• Check doneness: chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
• Don’t overmix the beans — fold gently to avoid mashing them.
• If you prefer a saucier skillet, add ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth or tomato sauce and simmer 2–3 minutes.

You can also find complementary high-protein dinner inspiration in this helpful list: 12 quick & easy high-protein meals.

Best Pairings

• Serve over cauliflower rice or regular brown rice for a heartier bowl.
• Spoon over a bed of mixed greens for a warm salad.
• Top with avocado slices, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or shredded cheese for extra richness.
• Make it a breakfast-for-dinner by tossing in extra eggs and serving with warm whole-grain toast and coffee or tea.
• For a spicy kick, add pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce at the table.

Shelf Life & Storage

• Room temperature: Do not leave perishable cooked food at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour if >90°F / 32°C).
• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat until steaming hot (165°F / 74°C).
• Freezer: Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Tip: If freezing, omit eggs (they change texture when frozen). Add fresh eggs when reheating if desired.

Pro Tips & Tricks

• Best protein cuts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs for juiciness; ground beef labeled 90/10 gives good flavor with moderate fat.
• Spice balance: Smoked paprika + cumin = warm, slightly smoky backbone. Add lemon juice or a splash of vinegar at the end to brighten flavors.
• Texture cues: Broccoli should be bright green and tender-crisp — overcooking turns it dull and mushy. Sear meat until you get a golden crust for flavor depth.
• Family-friendly swaps: Reduce the paprika and cumin for younger palates, or serve a small bowl of spices for DIY seasoning at the table.

Fun Flavor Ideas

• Mexican-Inspired: Add a teaspoon chili powder, top with cilantro, lime wedges, and serve with salsa and avocado. Replace black beans with pinto beans if you like.
• Mediterranean Twist: Omit cumin and paprika; add oregano, lemon zest, and feta cheese. Serve over quinoa or orzo.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken and beef for firm tofu (pressed and cubed) plus extra beans and roasted eggplant; use vegetable broth if simmering.
• Low-FODMAP: Use garlic-infused olive oil instead of garlic, omit onion, and substitute canned lentils rinsed well for beans (in smaller portions).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
A: Yes — cook and cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until hot.

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Absolutely — ground turkey is a leaner swap and works well with these spices. Add a touch more oil if it seems dry.

Q: What if my family doesn’t like black beans?
A: Substitute chickpeas, white beans, or omit beans and add extra veggies or 1 cup cooked quinoa for bulk and protein.

Q: How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
A: Don’t overcook; sear on medium-high to develop color, then finish on medium heat. Cutting chicken into uniform pieces ensures even cooking, and using a quick splash of stock or a pan sauce will help.

Q: Is this suitable for kids and picky eaters?
A: Yes — keep spices mild, serve components separately if needed, or offer simple sides like bread or plain rice.

Conclusion

This protein-packed chicken & beef veggie skillet is a versatile, family-friendly meal that balances satisfying protein with vibrant vegetables — ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or sharing at casual gatherings. If you enjoyed this recipe and want more family-approved, high-protein dinner ideas, check out this curated collection of options at 24 High-Protein Dinners the Whole Family Will Love, and for additional inspiration tailored by dietitians, explore 38 High-Protein Dinners. Give this skillet a try, leave a comment about your favorite substitutions, and share photos so we can build a community of nutritious, delicious family meals together.