Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake

why make this recipe

Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake is a simple and tasty dish that combines healthy ingredients in one pan. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick to prepare and delicious to eat. With chicken, zucchini, and spices, this recipe is not only nutritious but also packed with flavor. Plus, it requires minimal cleanup since everything cooks in one baking dish!

how to make Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 medium zucchinis (diced)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (plus extra for garnish)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley (chopped)
• 2 cups cooked rice (for serving)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with diced zucchini and onion, tossing gently to distribute evenly.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture, then add minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss thoroughly until every piece is well-coated.
4. Transfer the seasoned mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it in a single layer for optimal browning and even cooking.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the zucchini is tender but not mushy.
6. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with fresh chopped herbs and an extra pinch of smoked paprika. Serve over warm cooked rice.

how to serve Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake

Serve the Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake over a bed of warm cooked rice. The rice absorbs the flavors of the dish, making every bite delightful. You can also add a side salad or some crusty bread to complete the meal.

how to store Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Make sure to use a freezer-safe container and consume it within 2-3 months for the best quality.

tips to make Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake

• Cut the chicken into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
• Try adding other vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
• For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
• You can also use other herbs if you don’t have cilantro or parsley, such as basil or thyme.

variation

If you want to make it a creamy casserole, you can mix in a cup of cream or a can of cream of chicken soup before baking. This will add a rich texture and flavor to your dish.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it first to ensure even cooking.

2. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and mix everything in the baking dish a few hours in advance. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake

A simple and tasty dish combining chicken, zucchini, and spices, perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 medium zucchinis, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil For greasing the baking dish and for drizzling
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Plus extra for garnish
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper To taste
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped For garnish
• 2 cups cooked rice For serving

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with diced zucchini and onion, tossing gently to distribute evenly.
• Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture, then add minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss thoroughly until every piece is well-coated.

Baking

• Transfer the seasoned mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it in a single layer for optimal browning and even cooking.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the zucchini is tender but not mushy.
• Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with fresh chopped herbs and an extra pinch of smoked paprika.
• Serve over warm cooked rice.

Notes

Cut the chicken into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Consider adding other vegetables for extra color and nutrition. For a spicier kick, incorporate red pepper flakes. You can also substitute herbs like basil or thyme for cilantro or parsley.

Keyword Chicken Recipe, Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake, Healthy Dinner, One Pan Meal, Zucchini Bake