This Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe is a delightful meal that brings together tender chicken and fresh zucchini in one simple dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe promises easy preparation and maximum flavor. With minimal clean-up and only one casserole dish needed, it’s a meal that checks all the boxes for convenience and taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep Time: With just 10 minutes of prep, you can have dinner ready in no time.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and veggies, this dish is nutritious and satisfying.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with quinoa or rice, making it adaptable to any dietary preference.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the flavors of this chicken and zucchini combo.
• Easy Clean-Up: Cooking everything in one dish means less time spent washing dishes.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: This is crucial for evenly cooking the chicken and zucchini together. It helps retain moisture while baking.
• Mixing bowl: A good-sized bowl allows you to mix the marinade thoroughly, ensuring every piece of chicken and vegetable is flavorful.

Ingredients

This Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe is easy to make, and everything is baked perfectly in a casserole dish. It’s the ultimate easy dinner for a hungry family.

For the Chicken

• 1 pound boneless (skinless, chicken breast cut into bite-size pieces)

For the Vegetables

• 1 medium-size onion (chopped into large pieces similar to the size as the chicken)
• 1 zucchini (sliced vertically into four large pieces, then chopped into smaller pieces.)

For the Marinade

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp sea salt or salt to taste
• ¼ tsp freshly milled pepper or pepper to taste

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that your chicken bakes evenly and achieves a nice golden color.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Add the spices—garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, sea salt, and pepper.
2. Pour in the olive oil.
3. Mix everything until a smooth marinade forms.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the cut-up chicken, onion, and zucchini to the marinade:
– Toss everything together until all pieces are well coated.
– For enhanced flavor, allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 24 hours in the fridge.

Step 4: Bake

Transfer your marinated chicken and veggies into a baking dish:
– Spread them out evenly.
– Bake uncovered at 425°F for about 30 minutes or until cooked through.

Step 5: Serve

Once done:
– Enjoy hot from the oven.
– Serve alongside fluffy quinoa or buttery rice for a complete meal.

How to Serve Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe

Serving your Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe is a delightful experience. This dish pairs well with various sides and can be enhanced with simple garnishes. Here are some great serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish for a burst of color and flavor.
• Basil Leaves: Add fresh basil leaves just before serving to enhance the Italian flavors.

Over Quinoa or Rice

• Fluffy Quinoa: Serve the chicken and zucchini over a bed of fluffy quinoa for added protein.
• Buttery Rice: Pair with buttery rice to soak up the delicious juices from the chicken.

As a Salad Base

• Mixed Greens: Use mixed greens as a base and top with the baked chicken and zucchini for a refreshing salad.
• Spinach Salad: Toss it with spinach, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a healthy twist.

With Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to complement the savory flavors of the dish.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up any remaining sauce.

How to Perfect Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe

To ensure your Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Preheat Your Oven Properly: Always preheat your oven to 425°F before baking; this ensures even cooking.
• Cut Uniform Pieces: Make sure the chicken and zucchini pieces are similar in size for even cooking.
• Marinate Longer for Flavor: Letting the mixture marinate for at least 15 minutes enhances the flavors significantly.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables will add more flavor compared to frozen or canned options.
• Check Doneness Early: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking helps redistribute juices.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe can enhance its appeal. Here are some wonderful options that complement this meal beautifully.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a comforting side.
2. Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus roasted until tender adds elegance to your plate.
3. Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli provides crunch and nutrition without overpowering flavors.
4. Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that works well under the chicken and zucchini.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings freshness and crunch, balancing out the baked dish nicely.
6. Couscous Salad: A light couscous salad with lemon dressing offers a refreshing contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the marinade time: Marinating your chicken and veggies enhances flavor. Aim for at least 15 minutes in the refrigerator, or longer if possible.
• Not cutting ingredients evenly: Inconsistent sizes can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure your chicken and zucchini pieces are similar in size for even baking.
• Using low-quality olive oil: The type of oil can affect flavor. Opt for high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best taste.
• Baking at the wrong temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated to 425°F. Baking at a lower temperature may result in soggy vegetables and undercooked chicken.
• Ignoring doneness checks: Always check that your chicken is cooked through. Use a meat thermometer—chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
• Good for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Will keep well for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth, cover, and cook until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead by marinating the chicken and veggies. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

What can I serve with this Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe?

It pairs well with fluffy quinoa or buttery rice. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Can I customize the vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots according to your preference.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe is great for meal prepping. It stores well in the fridge or freezer.

What are some variations of this Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe?

You can experiment with different spices or add cheese on top before baking for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

The Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe is not only simple but also versatile, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Whether enjoyed as-is or customized with your favorite spices or veggies, this dish is sure to please your family’s taste buds. Give it a try, and don’t hesitate to make it your own!

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Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini

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• Author: Madison
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

This Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe is a deliciously simple dish that combines tender chicken with fresh zucchini for a nutritious meal everyone will love. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe requires minimal ingredients and offers maximum flavor without the fuss of multiple dishes. With just one casserole dish needed, you can enjoy an easy clean-up while serving up a wholesome dinner. In just 10 minutes of prep time, you can get this flavorful meal baking in the oven, making it an ideal choice for those hectic evenings when you crave comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-size pieces)
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 1 zucchini (sliced and chopped)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp sea salt
• ¼ tsp freshly ground pepper
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, sea salt, pepper, and olive oil to create the marinade.
3. Add chicken pieces, onion, and zucchini to the marinade and toss until well coated. Allow marinating for at least 15 minutes.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Serve hot with quinoa or rice and garnish with fresh parsley.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: For extra flavor, marinate for longer if time allows. Feel free to substitute other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots based on your preference.