Easy Healthy Chicken Zucchini Bake for Busy Weeknights is a delightful comfort food that combines juicy chicken, tender zucchini, and melty cheese in a simple, baked dish. This recipe is perfect for busy American home cooks looking for a healthy, quick meal with minimal cleanup. The zucchini stays crisp-tender, and the cheese forms a golden, bubbly crust that your family will love. Pair it with my Crispy Baked Cod – Quick and Delicious Dinner Recipe Everyone Will Love for a varied dinner rotation.
Why You'll Love Easy Healthy Chicken Zucchini Bake for Busy Weeknights – Quick and Delicious
Make this Easy Healthy Chicken Zucchini Bake for Busy Weeknights – a quick, family-friendly, and flavorful baked meal perfect for simple weeknight dinners.
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy ingredients with lean chicken and fresh zucchini.
- Kid-friendly and family-approved flavors.
- Minimal cleanup since it’s all baked in one dish.
Ingredients for Easy Healthy Chicken Zucchini Bake for Busy Weeknights – Quick and Delicious
Chicken: Use lean boneless skinless breasts for best texture; thighs can be substituted but may increase fat content.Zucchini: Fresh, firm zucchini is ideal; summer squash can be used in a pinch.
- Chicken: Use lean boneless skinless breasts for best texture; thighs can be substituted but may increase fat content.
- Zucchini: Fresh, firm zucchini is ideal; summer squash can be used in a pinch.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Easy Healthy Chicken Zucchini Bake for Busy Weeknights – Quick and Delicious are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Easy Healthy Chicken Zucchini Bake for Busy Weeknights – Quick and Delicious
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Cook onions and garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Add chicken and seasonings: Add diced chicken to the skillet and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook until chicken is no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes.
Expert Tips for Easy Healthy Chicken Zucchini Bake for Busy Weeknights – Quick and Delicious
- Slice zucchini thin for even baking and tender texture.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a little smoked paprika or cayenne with seasonings.
- Use part-skim cheeses to reduce fat while keeping gooey meltiness.
Easy Healthy Chicken Zucchini Bake for Busy Weeknights – Quick and Delicious
Make this Easy Healthy Chicken Zucchini Bake for Busy Weeknights – a quick, family-friendly, and flavorful baked meal perfect for simple weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 3 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Fresh chopped parsley or basil for garnish
- Red pepper flakes for extra heat
Instructions
How to Make Easy Healthy Chicken Zucchini Bake for Busy Weeknights
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Cook onions and garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add chicken and seasonings: Add diced chicken to the skillet and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook until chicken is no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes.
- Assemble the bake: Layer half of the sliced zucchini in the baking dish. Spread the cooked chicken mixture evenly over the zucchini. Top with the remaining zucchini slices, then evenly pour chicken broth over the top. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over everything.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh herbs and serving.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Easy Healthy Chicken Zucchini Bake for Busy Weeknights – Quick and Delicious FAQs
Yes, you can assemble the dish a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
Turkey breast works well, or for a vegetarian option, replace chicken with cooked chickpeas or tofu.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
Using zucchini that’s too thick or not draining excess moisture can cause sogginess. Try salting sliced zucchini and patting dry before assembling.
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Before You Go
If you try this Easy Healthy Chicken Zucchini Bake for Busy Weeknights – Quick and Delicious, I’d love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.