Description
This Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake is a flavorful, healthy one-dish meal combining tender chicken breast with fresh zucchini and aromatic spices. Baked to perfection with a touch of smoked paprika and cumin, it offers a comforting yet light dinner option served over warm cooked rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
Seasoning and Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Herbs and Serving
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- 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.
- Combine chicken and vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with the diced zucchini and onion to evenly distribute them.
- Season the mixture: Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and vegetables, then add minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat every piece well.
- Arrange in baking dish: Transfer the seasoned mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in a single layer to ensure optimal browning and even cooking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the zucchini is tender but still retains some firmness.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle immediately with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley and an extra pinch of smoked paprika. Serve hot over warm cooked rice.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is cooked through by checking it reaches 165°F internal temperature using a meat thermometer.
- Do not overcook the zucchini; it should be tender but not mushy to retain texture.
- Substitute fresh herbs with dried if fresh unavailable, but reduce quantity to 1 tablespoon dried.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with smoked paprika.
- Cook rice ahead of time or use leftover rice for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 of recipe with 1/2 cup cooked rice)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: chicken bake, zucchini recipe, healthy chicken dinner, easy chicken casserole, baked chicken and vegetables
