Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken Zucchini Bake is a simple and satisfying one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are baked alongside fresh zucchini and topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a comforting, flavorful dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into ½ inch rounds
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning.
3. Step 3: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the baking dish and arrange the zucchini slices evenly around them.
4. Step 4: Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and zucchini, then sprinkle garlic powder and the remaining Italian seasoning on top.
5. Step 5: Cover the chicken and zucchini generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Try adding sliced cherry tomatoes or bell peppers around the chicken for more color and sweetness.
• Use part-skim mozzarella to reduce fat without sacrificing creaminess.
• Swap zucchini with yellow squash or eggplant for a different vegetable variation.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through to maintain the chicken’s juiciness and melt the cheese again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and proper internal temperature. Using frozen chicken may result in uneven cooking or dry meat.

What can I serve with Chicken Zucchini Bake?

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, steamed rice, or crusty bread to soak up any delicious juices from the bake.

Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe

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This Chicken Zucchini Bake is a simple and flavorful one-dish meal featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts baked alongside fresh zucchini slices and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s an easy, healthy dinner option perfect for busy weeknights.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning, divided

Vegetables & Seasoning

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into ½ inch rounds
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning to infuse the meat with Mediterranean flavor.
3. Arrange Chicken and Zucchini: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and arrange the zucchini slices evenly around the chicken for a balanced bake.
4. Add Olive Oil and Seasonings: Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and zucchini, then sprinkle the garlic powder and the remaining Italian seasoning evenly on top to enhance the aroma and taste.
5. Top with Cheese: Generously cover the chicken and vegetables with shredded mozzarella cheese to create a deliciously gooey topping once baked.
6. Bake Until Done: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and turns golden brown, indicating it is fully cooked.

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked through.
• You can substitute mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for a different flavor.
• For a low-carb option, this dish is naturally gluten-free and low in carbohydrates.
• Let the dish rest 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Keywords: chicken zucchini bake, baked chicken breast, healthy chicken dinner, zucchini recipes, mozzarella chicken bake, one dish meal