Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake: Healthy One-Dish Meal (Print Version)
Healthy Chicken Zucchini Bake is an easy one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and savory flavors in this nutritious dinner.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free, Low-Calorie
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Foundation
01 -
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 -
3 medium zucchini (about 1 1/2 lbs total), trimmed and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
03 -
2 tbsp olive oil
→ Aromatic Boosters & Seasoning
04 -
1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
05 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
07 -
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
08 -
1/4 tsp black pepper
09 -
Salt to taste
→ Creamy & Cheesy Embrace
10 -
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
11 -
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
→ Fresh Finish
12 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
13 -
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Trim 3 medium zucchini (about 1 1/2 lbs total) and slice them into 1/2-inch rounds. Set aside. This initial prep is key for your Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake | Healthy One-Dish Meal.
02 -
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced, and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
03 -
Add 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes, to the skillet. Season with 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and salt to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned.
04 -
Stir in the sliced 3 medium zucchini and 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth with the chicken mixture. If not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer everything to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes, uncovered, for your Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake | Healthy One-Dish Meal.
05 -
Remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
06 -
Carefully remove the Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake | Healthy One-Dish Meal from the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and garnish generously with 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, before serving warm.
# Notes:
01 -
Feel free to swap chicken breast for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor and juicier texture. Adjust cooking time if needed.
02 -
Leftovers of this healthy bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
03 -
Serve this one-dish meal as is, or alongside a simple side salad or a scoop of quinoa for an even more complete and satisfying dinner.
04 -
For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning, or a squeeze of lime juice instead of lemon for a different citrus note.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
9x13 inch baking dish
02 -
cutting board
03 -
chef's knife
04 -
large mixing bowl
05 -
measuring cups and spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 416 kcal
Total Fat: 16 g
Total Carbohydrate: 5 g
Protein: 57 g