Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake is a flavorful, healthy one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken pieces combine with fresh zucchini and aromatic spices, then are baked to a delicious golden finish. Serve it over rice for a satisfying, wholesome dinner.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with diced zucchini and onion, tossing gently to distribute evenly.
3. Step 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. Step 4: For less excess moisture, optionally place the diced zucchini in a colander, sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt, and let sit for 15 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels before combining with other ingredients.
5. Step 5: Transfer the seasoned mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure caramelized edges instead of steaming.
6. Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking at 20 minutes – the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and the zucchini should be tender.
7. Step 7: For a golden, caramelized finish, switch your oven to broil and broil for 2-3 minutes until edges are browned. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
8. Step 8: Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with fresh chopped herbs and an extra pinch of smoked paprika. Let rest for 3-4 minutes before serving over cooked rice.

Tips & Variations

• Salting the zucchini before cooking helps reduce excess moisture and prevents a soggy bake.
• Swap out chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer juicier meat.
• Add chopped bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
• Use fresh herbs like basil or thyme if cilantro or parsley aren’t available.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the spices and rice used are gluten-free certified.

What can I serve with this chicken zucchini bake?

This bake pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad for a light and balanced meal.

Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 340 reviews

This Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake is a wholesome, flavorful one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender bite-sized chicken pieces are combined with fresh zucchini and onion, seasoned with smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano, then baked to perfection. Finished with fresh herbs and served over cooked rice, this dish delivers a satisfying blend of textures and savory flavors with minimal prep and cleanup.

• Author: Felix
• 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 1x2x3x

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
• 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

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with diced zucchini and onion, tossing gently to distribute evenly.
3. Season the Mixture: Drizzle olive oil over the mixture, then add minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly until every piece is well-coated.
4. Optional – Reduce Zucchini Moisture: For less excess moisture, optionally place the diced zucchini in a colander, sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt, and let sit for 15 minutes. Then pat dry with paper towels before combining with other ingredients.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the seasoned mixture in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Avoid overcrowding to ensure vegetables caramelize instead of steaming.
6. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking at 20 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and the zucchini should be tender.
7. Broil for Caramelization: For a golden, caramelized finish, switch the oven to the broil setting and broil for 2-3 minutes until edges are nicely browned. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
8. Garnish and Rest: Remove from oven, sprinkle immediately with fresh chopped herbs and an extra pinch of smoked paprika for color. Let rest for 3-4 minutes to allow cooking juices to be absorbed.
9. Serve: Serve the baked chicken and zucchini over cooked rice to soak up the flavorful juices.

Notes

• For best texture, avoid overcrowding the baking dish to promote caramelization rather than steaming.
• Salting zucchini beforehand helps reduce excess moisture and prevents a soggy bake.
• Use fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
• Cooked rice can be white, brown, or your preferred variety.
• Ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

Keywords: Chicken zucchini bake, baked chicken recipes, healthy chicken dinner, easy chicken bake, one dish chicken zucchini, gluten free chicken bake