Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe
This Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake is a flavorful, wholesome dish combining tender chicken breast with fresh zucchini and aromatic spices, baked to perfection for a healthy and satisfying meal. Served over cooked rice, it’s a simple and delicious weeknight dinner option that yields caramelized, juicy bites packed with herbs and smoky notes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, plus extra for garnish
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
Serving
- 2 cups cooked rice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish using olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with the diced zucchini and onion, tossing gently to mix evenly.
- Season the ingredients: Drizzle olive oil over the mixture, then add minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is well-coated.
- Optional moisture removal: To reduce excess moisture from zucchini, place diced zucchini in a colander, sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then pat dry with paper towels before combining with the chicken and onion.
- Transfer and arrange: Spread the seasoned mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish in a single layer, avoiding crowding to allow caramelization instead of steaming.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check at 20 minutes to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the zucchini is tender.
- Broil for caramelization: For a golden finish, switch the oven to broil and broil for 2-3 minutes until the edges are nicely browned. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and rest: Remove from oven, immediately sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley and an extra pinch of smoked paprika for color. Let the dish rest for 3-4 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Plate the chicken zucchini bake over 2 cups of cooked rice to absorb the flavorful juices for a complete meal.
Notes
- Salting zucchini before cooking draws out moisture, preventing a soggy bake and enhancing caramelization.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Substitute parsley for cilantro if preferred or for a milder herb flavor.
- Broiling at the end intensifies flavor and adds a delicious crispy edge.
- Serve immediately after resting for best texture and taste.
Keywords: chicken zucchini bake, baked chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner, easy chicken bake, zucchini casserole
Find it online: https://victoriablair.com/easy-chicken-zucchini-bake-recipe/
