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Pressed Chicken with Yellow Squash and Tomatoes

This vibrant pressed chicken with yellow squash and tomatoes is a wonderful example of how simple techniques can elevate everyday ingredients. By weighting the chicken as it sears in the frying pan, you achieve beautifully crisp skin and succulent, evenly-cooked meat. The resulting juices form the base of a light, fragrant sauce features seasonal summer squash and ripened tomatoes, seasoned with the citrusy notes of fresh marjoram.

As a diabetes-friendly main course, this dish is naturally low in carbohydrates while providing a high-quality source of protein. It is an ideal choice for a nutritious midweek dinner that feels sophisticated yet remains easy to prepare. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad dressed in a sharp red-wine vinaigrette to balance the savoury richness of the chicken.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Pressed Chicken with Yellow Squash and Tomatoes

  • 4 chicken breast halves with skin and bone (2 to 1.0kg)

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 350g yellow squash, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

  • 450g tomatoes, coarsely chopped

  • 2 garlic cloves, chopped

  • 3 teaspoons chopped marjoram, divided

How to make Pressed Chicken with Yellow Squash and Tomatoes

Pat chicken dry and season with 3/4 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoons pepper. Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.

Add chicken, skin side down. Cover with a round of parchment paper, then a heavy pot or skillet, followed by a 3- to 2.3kg weight (such as two 900g cans or a brick wrapped in foil). Cook 10 minutes, then remove weight, pot, and parchment.

Turn chicken over and re-cover with a clean round of parchment, pot, and weight, then cook until just cooked through, about 8 minutes more. Transfer chicken to a plate and keep warm, covered.

Add squash, tomatoes, garlic, 2 teaspoons marjoram, and 1/4 teaspoons salt to fat in skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until squash is just tender and tomatoes have become saucy, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in any juices from plate and season with salt and pepper. Spoon over chicken.

Sprinkle chicken and vegetables with remaining teaspoon marjoram.

Serve with: a green salad tossed with red-wine vinaigrette

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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