Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake is a simple, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken pieces are combined with fresh zucchini and aromatic spices, then baked to juicy perfection. Serve it over rice for a comforting, complete meal.

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 chicken pieces with diced zucchini and onion, tossing gently to distribute evenly.
3. Step 3: Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture. Add minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss thoroughly until everything is well-coated.
4. Step 4: (Optional) To reduce excess moisture, place diced zucchini in a colander, sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt, and let sit for 15 minutes. Then pat dry with paper towels before mixing with other ingredients.
5. Step 5: Transfer the seasoned mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in a single layer to avoid overcrowding.
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 the oven to broil and broil for 2-3 minutes until edges brown. 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 baking helps reduce moisture and prevents the dish from becoming soggy.
• Swap fresh cilantro for parsley if you prefer a milder herb flavor.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
• Serve with quinoa or couscous instead of rice for a different grain option.

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. To maintain texture, avoid reheating too long as zucchini can become soft.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini?

Yes, you can substitute zucchini with vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms. Adjust cooking times as needed, since different vegetables vary in moisture and firmness.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. It reheats well and can be portioned easily into containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 110 reviews

This Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake is a wholesome and flavorful one-dish meal featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces baked with fresh zucchini, onion, and a blend of aromatic spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it offers a healthy balance of protein and vegetables served over fluffy rice, enhanced by a caramelized, slightly smoky finish from smoked paprika and optional broiling.

• Author: rami
• 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

Chicken 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
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Garnish

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

Serving

• 2 cups cooked rice

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: 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. Toss Chicken and Vegetables: 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 the 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 evenly coated with the seasoning.
4. Optional Moisture Reduction: For less excess moisture, you can place the diced zucchini in a colander, sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt, and let sit for 15 minutes. Afterward, pat dry the zucchini with paper towels before combining with other ingredients.
5. Arrange in Baking Dish: Transfer the seasoned mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to prevent steaming and encourage caramelization.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check at 20 minutes to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the zucchini is tender.
7. Optional Broil for Caramelization: For a more golden and caramelized finish, switch the oven to the broil setting and broil the bake for 2-3 minutes until the edges are nicely browned. Watch closely to avoid burning.
8. Garnish and Rest: Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley and an extra pinch of smoked paprika for color. Let it rest for 3-4 minutes.
9. Serve: Serve the chicken and zucchini bake hot over 2 cups of cooked rice, allowing the rice to soak up the flavorful cooking juices.

Notes

• Patting the zucchini dry after salting helps reduce excess moisture, preventing a watery bake.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Broiling at the end adds color and flavor but requires careful monitoring to prevent burning.
• Fresh herbs can be swapped between cilantro or parsley based on preference.
• Serve with rice or a grain of your choice to complete the meal.

Keywords: Easy chicken bake, zucchini chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner, baked chicken and vegetables, one dish chicken meal