This Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe is the answer to busy weeknights when you want something quick, healthy, and loaded with flavor. Tender chunks of juicy chicken and vibrant zucchini are seasoned to perfection, then baked under a deliciously golden layer of gooey mozzarella and savory Parmesan. This dish practically guarantees happy faces around the table, and it’s so simple you’ll want to add it to your meal rotation again and again.

Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of humble ingredients come together to create this absolute showstopper. Each item is playing a starring role here, lending its own delicious touch to the final result. Let’s dive in and see what you’ll need for this Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe:

Chicken breasts: Bite-sized pieces ensure every morsel stays juicy and cooks quickly.
Zucchini: Sliced into half-moons, zucchini soaks up flavor and brings a pop of color.
Olive oil: Keeps everything moist, promotes browning, and carries the seasonings beautifully.
Garlic powder: Adds a robust, mellow garlic note in every bite.
Italian seasoning: The classic blend delivers herbaceous flavor and a lovely aromatic touch.
Paprika: Gives a subtle warmth and an appealing hint of smokiness.
Salt: Brings out the natural flavors of the chicken and veggies.
Black pepper: A gentle kick of heat rounds out the seasoning.
Mozzarella cheese: Delivers creamy meltiness that makes this dish absolutely irresistible.
Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty richness and a savory finish on top.
Fresh parsley: A bright sprinkle at the end boosts freshness and makes your dish look restaurant-worthy.

How to Make Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish

Start by setting your oven to 400°F so it’s hot and ready when you are. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or nonstick spray—this not only keeps your Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe from sticking but also makes cleanup so much easier.

Step 2: Layer Your Chicken and Zucchini

Add the chicken pieces and sliced zucchini directly into the baking dish. At this point, don’t fuss too much about how it looks—it’s all getting mixed and baked into deliciousness! The zucchini lends a juicy, fresh bite and helps balance the savory chicken for the perfect combination.

Step 3: Drizzle and Season

Generously drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and zucchini. Next, sprinkle on the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands or a spatula to toss everything together right in the dish so every piece gets thoroughly coated with the flavorful seasoning. Spread the mixture into a fairly even layer for the best bake.

Step 4: First Bake

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Give everything a gentle stir halfway through to ensure even cooking. The aroma will already be absolutely mouthwatering, and the veggies and chicken will start developing a lovely golden tint.

Step 5: Add the Cheesy Topping

Pull the dish out after 20 minutes and sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top. This step is where the magic happens! Bake for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Finish by scattering some fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness before serving your Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe.

How to Serve Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is the classic finishing touch, brightening both the flavor and look of your dish. For a little extra zip, you can add a few red pepper flakes or a squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving.

Side Dishes

This Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe is fantastic on its own, especially if you’re aiming for a low-carb or gluten-free meal. But if you want to stretch it a little further, it’s equally delicious over a bed of fluffy rice, quinoa, or even pasta for a heartier plate. For a colorful contrast, throw some cherry tomatoes or sweet bell peppers into the bake or on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn individual portions into personal casseroles by baking in small ramekins, or scoop straight from the baking dish for a homey, family-style vibe. If you’re hosting brunch or lunch, serve with toasted bread to sop up the cheesy, savory juices—or stuff leftovers into a whole-wheat wrap for a grab-and-go lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it’ll stay tasty for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, portion the cooled chicken and zucchini into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for up to two months. When you crave it again, just thaw overnight in the fridge for the best taste and texture.

Reheating

Reheat single servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until hot, or warm larger portions in a 350°F oven (covered) for about 10-15 minutes. If it looks a little dry, splash in a spoonful of broth or water before reheating to bring back the moisture and keep everything tender and cheesy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and rich flavor, and they hold up really well to baking. Simply cut them into bite-sized pieces as you would the breasts, and follow the recipe as written.

What other veggies work well in this Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe?

Feel free to get creative—bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or even thinly sliced onions can all be baked along with the chicken and zucchini. Just make sure to chop veggies to similar sizes so they cook evenly.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! If you need a dairy-free option, simply use your favorite plant-based cheeses or skip the cheese altogether. It’ll still be a flavorful and satisfying meal without the cheesy topping.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer—the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Alternatively, cut a piece in half; it should be white and juicy, not pink in the center.

Can I prep this Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe ahead?

Yes, you can assemble the chicken and veggies with the oil and seasonings in the baking dish up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then just bake and add the cheese when you’re ready for dinner.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fuss-free, family-pleasing meal, this Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s so simple and packed with flavor, you’ll want to make it again and again. Give it a try—the results might just surprise you!

Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini recipe is a delicious and simple dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful zucchini, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying dinner option.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken and Zucchini:

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Topping:

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Chicken and Zucchini: Place the chicken and zucchini in the baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly, then spread into an even layer.
Bake: Bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and return to bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, until cheese is melted and chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

You can add cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
For a low-carb meal, serve as is, or pair with quinoa or rice for a heartier dish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American