This Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake is a tasty and filling dish. It features tender chicken and fresh zucchini, all baked together with cheese for a cheesy goodness!
I love making this for dinner because it’s super simple and only uses one baking dish. You can even sneak in other veggies if you like! Who doesn’t love a delicious meal that’s easy to clean up? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds moisture and a light flavor. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash works great as an alternative!
Chicken: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts make it easy to cook. You could also use chicken thighs for more flavor or even leftover rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
Rice: I like using white rice, but brown rice or even quinoa are good substitutes for added nutrition. Just remember to adjust cooking times if needed!
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a nice smoky flavor, but if you prefer less spice, try just using a pinch of sweet paprika. Garlic powder can be used instead of fresh garlic if that’s all you have available.
Cheese: Adding cheese is optional, but it definitely makes it creamy! If you’re dairy-free, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without the dairy.
How Do I Cook Zucchini So It Doesn’t Become Mushy?
A common struggle with zucchini is avoiding a mushy texture. To keep your zucchini firm, try these tips:
- Cook zucchini just until tender, around 2 minutes, before baking. It will continue cooking in the oven.
- Cut zucchini into even, bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; you want just enough time for the chicken to cook through and the zucchini to remain slightly crisp.
With these tricks, your zucchini should be perfectly tender but not mushy!
Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fresh Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Staples:
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) for a cheesy bake
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 20-25 minutes to cook. In total, you can have this delicious meal ready in about 35-40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when your dish is ready to bake.
2. Season the Chicken:
In a large bowl, toss the cubed chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Make sure all the chicken is well-coated with the seasonings!
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
In a skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they’re fragrant and the onions are translucent.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken’s outside is no longer pink but it’s not completely cooked yet.
5. Add the Zucchini:
Add the chopped zucchini to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring until the zucchini starts to soften, helping to blend all those yummy flavors together!
6. Assemble the Bake:
Transfer the chicken and zucchini mixture to a baking dish. Spread your cooked rice evenly around the chicken and zucchini so every bite has a little bit of everything.
7. Add Cheese (Optional):
If you enjoy cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of everything for an extra layer of deliciousness!
8. Bake It:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for about 15-20 minutes. Check that the chicken is cooked through (should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the zucchini is tender but not mushy.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, give it a little sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or parsley and a dash of smoked paprika on top for a pop of color and flavor!
10. Enjoy!
Serve warm and dig into your flavorful Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake. Yum!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Bake?
Absolutely! You can mix in other veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli. Just remember to adjust cooking times slightly if using harder veggies, as they may need a bit longer to soften.
Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, especially if you skip the cheese. Just be mindful of any rice you use; ensure it’s labeled gluten-free if you use packaged products.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
What Can I Serve With This Dish?
This bake is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with some roasted vegetables or a light soup!
