Looking for a delicious and easy dish to whip up for dinner? Look no further than this flavorful Chicken Zucchini Bake! Packed with tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and aromatic spices, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is a winner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of tender chicken, zucchini, and aromatic spices creates a dish that is bursting with delicious flavors.
- Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe comes together in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: This Chicken Zucchini Bake is great for meal prepping as it can be made ahead of time and reheated throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provide protein and a hearty texture to the dish. You can also use chicken thighs if preferred.
- Zucchinis: Add a fresh and crisp element to the bake. Feel free to substitute with other vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli.
- Onion: Adds a savory flavor and depth to the dish.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing and adding richness to the dish.
- Garlic: Provides a fragrant and aromatic flavor.
- Smoked paprika, cumin, oregano: These spices add a warm and smoky flavor to the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste.
- Cilantro or parsley: Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor.
- Cooked rice: Serve the Chicken Zucchini Bake over rice for a complete meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven and prepare a baking dish.
- In a skillet, sauté the chicken until browned. Add in the onion, zucchini, garlic, and spices.
- Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and bake until the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve over cooked rice.
Helpful Tips:
- For a crispier texture, broil the dish for a few minutes at the end of cooking.
- Feel free to add in additional vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Marinate the chicken in the spices for extra flavor.
- Use a mix of white and dark meat for a more flavorful dish.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking dish to ensure even cooking.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Chicken Zucchini Bake with a side salad, garlic bread, or a refreshing cucumber mint cooler for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, place in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. - Can I use other spices in place of smoked paprika and cumin?
Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices to suit your taste preferences. - Can I freeze this dish?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat before serving.
Conclusion:
Try out this Chicken Zucchini Bake for a delicious and easy meal that the whole family will love. Don’t forget to share your feedback and enjoy the flavors of this simple yet satisfying dish!
Print
Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25-30 mins
- Total Time: 40-45 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake is a flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender chicken with fresh zucchinis and aromatic spices. It’s a simple and delicious dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight 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
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Prepare the chicken and vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, zucchinis, onion, olive oil, garlic, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Garnish with additional smoked paprika and chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve hot over cooked rice.
Notes
- You can customize this dish by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or tomatoes.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg