Looking for a wholesome and easy-to-make meal that everyone will love? Look no further! This Baked Chicken and Zucchini recipe is a perfect combination of tender, juicy chicken and flavorful zucchini, all baked to perfection in a single dish. Not only is it healthy, but it’s also a breeze to prepare, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a meal prep option. The dish is low in calories, full of essential nutrients, and packed with flavor, making it a winner for both kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe
Healthy: This recipe is low-carb, high-protein, and rich in essential vitamins and minerals from the zucchini.
Quick and Easy: With only a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish is a time-saver.
One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze!
Customizable: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your tastes or add more vegetables if desired.
Ingredients for Baked Chicken and Zucchini
This simple yet delicious recipe requires just a few basic ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
For the Chicken and Zucchini
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Marinade (Optional, but Recommended)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon honey (optional for a touch of sweetness)
1 clove garlic, minced
How to Make Baked Chicken and Zucchini
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by preparing the marinade for the chicken. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, thyme, smoked paprika, honey, and minced garlic. Whisk until well combined. If you have time, marinate the chicken breasts for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to soak in. If you’re short on time, skip this step and move to the next.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Season the Chicken and Zucchini
While the oven heats up, season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss the zucchini slices in olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 4: Arrange on the Baking Sheet
Arrange the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet in the center. Place the seasoned zucchini slices around the chicken, ensuring the veggies are spread evenly and not overcrowded. If you have extra zucchini, feel free to add more for a fuller meal.
Step 5: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the zucchini is tender and slightly caramelized. If you like your chicken with a crispy exterior, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken and zucchini are cooked, remove them from the oven. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and flavor. Slice the chicken and serve with the roasted zucchini. Enjoy!
Check out: Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Tips for the Perfect Baked Chicken and Zucchini
Even Cooking: Ensure your zucchini slices are uniform in size to promote even cooking.
Chicken Thickness: If your chicken breasts are thick, consider slicing them in half horizontally to ensure they cook evenly.
Meal Prep: This dish makes for excellent leftovers and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also meal prep by cooking extra portions for the week.
Add a Side: If you want to make the meal heartier, serve with a side of quinoa, brown rice, or a green salad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks, but they will require a longer cooking time. Bone-in chicken usually takes about 35-40 minutes to cook through at 400°F, so be sure to check the internal temperature.
2. What other vegetables can I add to the dish?
This recipe is versatile, and you can add various vegetables such as bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
3. Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative, and they tend to be juicier than breasts. Use bone-in or boneless thighs, but keep in mind the cooking time might need to be adjusted.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare everything in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just bake it before serving, or reheat it in the oven for 10-15 minutes until hot.
5. How do I know when the chicken is cooked properly?
To ensure your chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, and it should read 165°F (75°C). This guarantees that the chicken is safe to eat and has reached the proper internal temperature.
6. How can I make this dish spicier?
If you enjoy a little heat, try adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade. You can also drizzle some hot sauce over the dish after it’s baked for an extra kick.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Chicken and Zucchini recipe is an easy, healthy, and flavorful meal that you can prepare on busy nights or when you just need a quick dinner option. With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and just one pan to clean, it’s a perfect addition to your weeknight meal rotation. Whether you’re cooking for the family or preparing meals for the week ahead, this recipe will not disappoint!
Read more: Ginger Soy-Glazed Cod Recipe
Print
Best Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Baked Chicken and Zucchini is a simple yet flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken thighs or breasts are seasoned to perfection and baked alongside fresh zucchini slices, creating a healthy and satisfying meal. It’s low-maintenance, packed with protein and veggies, and sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Zucchini:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For Garnish (optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with oil.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts or thighs dry with a paper towel.
- Rub the chicken with olive oil, and season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Prepare the Zucchini:
- Slice the zucchini into rounds or half-moons.
- Toss the zucchini slices with a little olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder.
4. Bake:
- Place the seasoned chicken on one side of the prepared baking sheet and arrange the zucchini slices on the other side.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the zucchini is tender and slightly golden.
5. Serve:
- Once done, remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
- Optionally, squeeze some lemon juice over the chicken and zucchini and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, top the chicken with a little grated parmesan cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Feel free to swap zucchini for other vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or asparagus.
- Serve with a side of rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Healthy, Mediterranean-Inspired, Low-Carb
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g