Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe
This Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe is truly the weeknight hero you never knew you needed, and it’s become a staple in my own kitchen. Imagine juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts nestled among tender, golden zucchini, all bubbling under a blanket of gooey cheese—pure, uncomplicated comfort food that comes together in just over half an hour. Not only will you adore the mouthwatering flavors and vibrant colors, but you’ll also appreciate how incredibly simple and nourishing this dish is, making it a complete go-to for busy nights or cozy gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of fresh, everyday ingredients, the Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe packs major flavor and wholesome satisfaction. Each one is simple but purposeful, playing a special role in the taste, texture, and color of your finished dish.
- Chicken Breasts: Lean and protein-packed, boneless and skinless chicken breasts are the main star for a filling, healthy centerpiece.
- Zucchini: Sliced into half-moons, zucchini becomes soft and slightly caramelized, soaking up all the delicious juices.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps everything cook up golden and succulent.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the dish with a savory depth that makes every bite irresistible.
- Italian Seasoning: Aromatic herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme bring Mediterranean flair and round out the flavors.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and beautiful color to both the zucchini and chicken.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for drawing out the flavors and keeping everything perfectly seasoned.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts to form a gooey, creamy layer that ties all the ingredients together.
- Parmesan Cheese: Offers a nutty, salty finish that gives the dish extra depth.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley makes a pretty garnish and adds an herbal pop of freshness at the end.
How to Make Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s hot and ready for roasting. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the chicken and zucchini won’t stick and will be easy to serve later on.
Step 2: Arrange Chicken and Zucchini
Lay the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and scatter the zucchini half-moons all around. This allows the veggies to soak up the chicken’s flavorful juices as they bake, infusing every bite with savory goodness.
Step 3: Season Everything Beautifully
Drizzle olive oil evenly over both the chicken and zucchini. Sprinkle minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and a generous amount of salt and black pepper across the top. Use your hands or a spoon to gently toss the zucchini, making sure everything is coated with oil and seasonings for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Bake to Juicy Perfection
Bake the assembled dish uncovered for 20–25 minutes. The Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe is ready for the next step when the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The zucchini should be tender and slightly caramelized at the edges.
Step 5: Add the Cheesy Finishing Touch
In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses generously over the top. Return the dish to the oven just until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket that pulls everything together.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Pull your beautiful creation from the oven, then shower it with a scattering of freshly chopped parsley. This final pop of color and freshness makes your Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe truly irresistible—serve it hot and watch how quickly it disappears!
How to Serve Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe
Garnishes
The magic of this dish is how gorgeously it presents with just a sprinkle of fresh parsley, but you can also add a twist of freshly cracked black pepper or even a light dusting of extra Parmesan for a fancier finish.
Side Dishes
This Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe pairs beautifully with a fluffy side of rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a simple green salad. If you want to keep things extra light, try serving with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist.
Creative Ways to Present
For an effortless dinner party vibe, slice the chicken and layer it over the zucchini right on a platter, letting all the melted cheese and juices spill together. For single servings, plate each chicken breast on top of a bed of zucchini, spooning those golden cheesy drippings over everything. Garnish with microgreens or a lemon wedge for a restaurant-worthy touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and get even better, making for a super satisfying lunch the next day.
Freezing
If you need to freeze, let the chicken and zucchini cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best texture, you may want to freeze before adding the cheese, then sprinkle it on after reheating, but the full recipe also holds up well for busy meal prep days.
Reheating
Gently reheat portions in the microwave or, for the best results, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. Splash a little water or broth over the zucchini to keep it moist before reheating if you like.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work wonderfully in this Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe, delivering even juicier results and a slightly richer flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to get creative! Cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or yellow squash would all be delicious tucked in with the zucchini for extra color and sweetness. Just slice them evenly so they cook at the same rate.
Is this dish suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?
Yes—the Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe is naturally low in carbs and gluten-free as written, making it a fantastic option for anyone keeping things light or following a keto-friendly lifestyle. Just watch the cheese amounts if you’re looking to reduce calories further.
How can I make the chicken extra flavorful?
For even juicier, more flavorful chicken, try marinating the breasts in olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning for 30 minutes before baking, as suggested in the notes. This simple step infuses the meat with extra herbaceous goodness.
Can I prepare this dish ahead for entertaining?
Definitely! You can assemble everything (except the cheese topping) up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, then proceed as directed. Add the cheese in the final baking minutes for a freshly melted finish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that’s big on comfort and even bigger on flavor, you’ll want to make this Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe part of your regular rotation. It’s fuss-free, wholesome, and always a crowd-pleaser—don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite too!
Print
Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini recipe is a simple and flavorful one-pan meal that is perfect for a quick and healthy dinner. Juicy chicken breasts are baked to perfection with tender zucchini and topped with melted cheese for a delicious finish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Zucchini:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Chicken and Zucchini: Arrange the chicken breasts in the baking dish and surround them with sliced zucchini. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat the zucchini in seasoning.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the chicken and zucchini during the last 5 minutes of baking until melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning for 30 minutes before baking.
- You can add cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for more color and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with zucchini
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
