Description
This Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake is a healthy and flavorful one-dish meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender bite-sized chicken pieces are combined with fresh zucchini, onions, and a blend of aromatic spices, then baked until perfectly cooked. Served over warm rice and garnished with fresh herbs, it’s a comforting and wholesome dish that’s simple to prepare and packed with goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
Seasonings and Oils
- 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
Serving
- 2 cups cooked rice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with diced zucchini and onion, tossing gently to distribute evenly.
- Season the Mixture: Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture, then add minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly until every piece is well-coated.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the seasoned mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it in a single layer for optimal browning and even cooking.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the zucchini is tender but not mushy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with fresh chopped herbs and an extra pinch of smoked paprika. Serve over warm cooked rice.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the other spices.
- You can substitute parsley if cilantro is not preferred or available.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Using fresh zucchini is recommended for the best texture and flavor, but frozen diced zucchini can be used in a pinch—just ensure it’s thawed and drained.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe without rice)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: chicken zucchini bake, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner, baked chicken breast, zucchini recipes, one dish chicken meal
