Description
The Chicken Zucchini Bake is a must-try recipe that combines the savory goodness of chicken with the fresh crunch of zucchini. This one-pan wonder is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it the perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped for garnish
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, season with paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned but not fully cooked through.
3. Stir in the onion, garlic, and zucchini. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
4. Transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish. Add the cooked rice and gently mix to combine.
5. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
6. Sprinkle the baked Chicken Zucchini Bake with fresh cilantro or parsley and the optional crushed red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
To prevent the zucchini from becoming overly soft or soggy, be sure to cook the chicken and vegetables until just slightly softened before transferring to the baking dish. The additional baking time in the oven will finish cooking the zucchini without making it mushy.
Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs to suit your taste preferences. For a more robust flavor, try adding Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or Cajun seasoning.
If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even diced tofu for a vegetarian option.
For a crunchier topping, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese or breadcrumbs over the bake before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg