Print

Baked Chicken with Zucchini

Baked Chicken with Zucchini
Print Recipe

A simple, nutritious, and flavorful baked chicken dish featuring tender zucchini, seasoned with Italian herbs, garlic, and optional parmesan cheese. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this one-pan meal combines lean protein and fresh vegetables for a wholesome, comforting experience with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Vegetables

  • 2 medium fresh zucchinis, sliced into rounds or half-moons

Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken and Zucchini: Wash the zucchini and slice into evenly sized rounds or half-moons for uniform baking. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until nicely browned. This locks in moisture and adds a caramelized flavor, but can be skipped if short on time.
  3. Assemble in Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish and arrange the sliced zucchini in a single layer. Place the seasoned chicken on top. Drizzle the remaining olive oil and sprinkle minced garlic evenly over the chicken and zucchini.
  4. Bake Until Tender: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the dish for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the zucchini is tender but not mushy.
  5. Add Cheese Topping (Optional): If desired, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the chicken and zucchini during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow it to melt and brown.

Notes

  • Slice zucchini evenly to ensure uniform cooking with the chicken.
  • Avoid overcrowding the baking dish to prevent soggy vegetables and uneven cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked through (165°F/75°C).
  • Let the chicken rest a few minutes after baking for juicier, more flavorful bites.
  • Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil after baking for added freshness and color.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken, zucchini, healthy dinner, one-pan meal, gluten free, easy dinner, Italian seasoning

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/baked-chicken-with-zucchini/