Description

Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake is a protein-packed, one-dish meal featuring tender chicken breast and fresh zucchini with savory Mediterranean-inspired seasonings. This oven-baked dish delivers over 30 grams of protein per serving and combines juicy chicken with caramelized zucchini and a flavorful blend of spices, making it a perfect, healthy weeknight dinner that picky eaters will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Vegetables

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 medium zucchinis (6–8 inches long), diced
1 medium onion, diced

Seasonings and Oils

2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (plus extra for garnish)
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

Serving

2 cups cooked rice (for serving)

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Combine Chicken and Vegetables. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with the diced zucchini and onion, ensuring all pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking.
Add Oil and Spices. Drizzle olive oil over the mixture, add minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly using your hands or a large spoon so each piece is well coated with the seasonings.
Optional Zucchini Prep. For reduced 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 combining with the other ingredients.
Arrange in Baking Dish. Transfer the seasoned mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading everything out in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to allow caramelization rather than steaming.
Bake. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, checking at 20 minutes to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and zucchini is tender.
Broil for Finish. For a golden-brown, caramelized edge, switch the oven to broil and broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Garnish and Rest. Remove from oven, immediately sprinkle with fresh chopped herbs (cilantro or parsley) and an extra pinch of smoked paprika for color. Let the bake rest for 3-4 minutes before serving.
Serve. Serve the chicken zucchini bake over cooked rice to soak up the flavorful juices from the dish.

Notes

Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and avoid dryness.
Do not overcook; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and juiciness.
For maximum flavor, marinate chicken in the oil and spice mixture for 30 minutes before baking.
To intensify flavors, increase spices by 25% or add ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning.
The dish naturally creates cooking juices; serving over rice helps absorb them. For drier results, drain excess liquid after baking and return to oven for 5 minutes.
Optionally bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes for a hotter oven method with less moisture.
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze portions for up to 2 months.
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes until warmed through; add a tablespoon of chicken broth if dry.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner, Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Keywords: Chicken zucchini bake, one dish chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner, Mediterranean chicken bake, baked chicken and vegetables, high protein chicken recipe