Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe for Dinner

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is the star of this dish. If zucchini isn’t available, yellow squash works just as well! I prefer using medium-sized ones for the right texture—too small can be mushy.

Chicken: I always use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this bake. If you’d like, thighs could add a richer flavor. For a quicker option, rotisserie chicken is also great—just shred it and mix it in!

Cheeses: Mozzarella is perfect for that stretchy, cheesy topping. If you like a sharper flavor, try using cheddar or gouda instead. Parmesan adds a nice salty touch, but nutritional yeast can be a great alternative for a vegan option.

Onion & Garlic: Fresh onion and garlic add essential flavor. You can substitute onion powder and garlic powder if you’re in a pinch, but fresh really makes a difference!

How Can I Make Sure My Chicken Zucchini Bake Is Full of Flavor?

Getting that great flavor starts with properly seasoning each layer. Here are some tips:

• Season the chicken well with salt, pepper, and half of your Italian seasoning when cooking. This adds depth to the dish.
• If you bake the zucchini too long, it can get watery. Make sure to cook until just tender to retain a bit of crunch.
• Mix everything well in the bowl before transferring to the baking dish. This way, all the flavors blend nicely.
• Don’t skip the garnish! Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add brightness and enhance the dish’s appearance.

Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake

Ingredients:

• 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
• 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This chicken zucchini bake takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake, totaling around 35 minutes. It’s quick enough for a weekday dinner, and it tastes even better as leftovers!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that it’s hot enough to bake your dish evenly.

2. Sauté Onion and Garlic:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they become soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes. This adds a wonderful base flavor to your bake!

3. Cook the Chicken:

Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Season them with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it’s no longer pink and cooked through.

4. Combine Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced zucchini, cooked chicken mixture, and cherry tomatoes (if using). Add the remaining Italian seasoning and toss everything together until it’s well mixed.

5. Transfer to Baking Dish:

Grease a baking dish lightly with cooking spray or olive oil. Pour the chicken and zucchini mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.

6. Add Cheese:

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. This will create a delicious, cheesy crust as it bakes.

7. Bake:

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the zucchini is tender.

8. Rest and Garnish:

Once cooked, remove the bake from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil for added color and flavor.

Enjoy your easy and healthy chicken zucchini bake for dinner! It’s a wonderful dish that combines protein and veggies in one delicious bake!

FAQ for Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake

Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Bake?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for veggies that take longer to cook, like carrots or potatoes.

What If I Have Leftovers? How Should I Store Them?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months; simply reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prep the dish ahead by assembling it (but don’t bake) and storing it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake—add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

What Should I Serve with Chicken Zucchini Bake?

This bake is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a side of quinoa, rice, or a simple green salad. It pairs well with crusty bread, too, for soaking up any leftover cheesy goodness!