Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe
This Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake is a simple and flavorful one-dish meal combining tender chicken pieces with fresh zucchini and onions, seasoned with smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano. Baked to perfection and served over warm rice, it offers a healthy and comforting dinner option that’s quick to prepare and irresistibly delicious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & 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 & Herbs
- 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
Other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with diced zucchini and onion, tossing gently to distribute evenly.
- Season the mixture: Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and vegetables, add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly until everything is well-coated.
- Optional zucchini moisture prevention: For less moisture in the bake, place the 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.
- Prepare for baking: Transfer the seasoned chicken and vegetables to the prepared baking dish, spreading them in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure proper caramelization.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, checking at 20 minutes to make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the zucchini is tender.
- Broil for caramelization: For a golden, caramelized finish, switch your oven to broil and broil the dish for 2-3 minutes until the edges brown nicely. Watch it closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish and rest: Remove from the oven, immediately sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley and an extra pinch of smoked paprika for color. Let rest for 3-4 minutes.
- Serve: Spoon the chicken and vegetable bake over warm cooked rice to absorb the flavorful juices and enjoy.
Notes
- Salting and draining the zucchini helps reduce excess moisture for a better texture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked to 165°F for safety.
- Broiling adds a nice caramelized finish but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- You can substitute rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
- Fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley brighten up the dish and add freshness.
Keywords: chicken zucchini bake, baked chicken and vegetables, smoked paprika chicken, healthy chicken bake, easy chicken dinner, one-dish meal, baked chicken zucchini casserole
Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/easy-chicken-zucchini-bake-recipe/
