This Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake combines juicy chicken and fresh zucchini for a tasty, healthy dinner. With cheesy goodness and simple spices, it’s a meal you’ll love!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep it light and healthy. If you prefer dark meat, you can use thighs instead. Just be aware that they may take a bit longer to cook.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is key for this dish. If zucchini isn’t available, yellow squash works well too. Don’t shy away from other veggies; bell peppers or eggplant can be tasty substitutes!
Cheeses: I love mozzarella for its meltiness and flavor, but feel free to mix it up! Cheddar or Gouda could add a new twist. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try vegan mozzarella.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds great flavor, but you can substitute with avocado oil or any neutral oil you prefer. Just keep an eye on the smoke point!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best taste, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder works too. A teaspoon of garlic powder equals about a clove of fresh garlic.
How Do I Make Sure the Chicken Stays Juicy?
To keep the chicken moist, it’s important not to overcook it. Using a meat thermometer is really helpful. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s perfectly cooked without drying out.
- Start with pre-seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, and other spices before baking.
- Cover the dish with foil for the first half of baking to trap moisture, then remove it for the last 10-15 minutes to brown the cheese.
How Can I Prep This Dish Ahead of Time?
If you’re looking to save time, you can prep the zucchini and chicken mixture a day ahead. Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
This way, when it’s time for dinner, all you have to do is pop it in the oven!
Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake for Healthy Dinners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bake:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional for color and flavor)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed
You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes prepping this dish, with cooking time of about 30-35 minutes. Overall, you’ll be enjoying this healthy dinner in about 45-50 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for baking your chicken and zucchini.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced zucchini with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, a dash of pepper, and half of the minced garlic. This will add flavor and help the zucchini cook nicely.
3. Season the Chicken:
Next, take the chicken breasts and season them with salt, pepper, the remaining minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Make sure each piece is well-coated for delicious flavor.
4. Assemble in a Baking Dish:
Grab a baking dish and arrange the chicken breasts in one single layer at the bottom. This helps them cook evenly.
5. Add the Zucchini:
Now, spread the seasoned zucchini slices evenly around and on top of the chicken. If you want to add cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and taste, sprinkle them on now!
6. Drizzle and Sprinkle:
Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the zucchini and chicken to keep everything moist, then sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top for that melty goodness.
7. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through (check for an internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C) and the cheese on top is bubbly and golden.
8. Rest and Garnish:
Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle. Before serving, garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley for a fresh finish!
Now it’s time to enjoy your healthy, simple, and delicious chicken zucchini bake! Perfect for a comforting dinner with minimal cleanup.
FAQ for Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s completely thawed before cooking. To quickly thaw chicken, place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour. Pat it dry before seasoning!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If the chicken seems dry, a splash of chicken broth can help retain moisture when reheating.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if using denser vegetables to ensure everything is cooked properly.
What Should I Serve This Bake With?
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or whole grains like quinoa or brown rice. If you’re looking to keep it low-carb, serve it with roasted or steamed veggies.
