Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake

Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake

introduction

If you’re looking for a simple and healthy recipe that packs a punch of flavor, Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake is the perfect dish for you! This one-pan meal combines succulent chicken, fresh zucchini, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all topped with melted cheese. It’s nutritious, satisfying, and a great way to use up some of those veggies you may have lying around. Plus, it comes together in no time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or meal prep.

why make this recipe

Making Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake is a great choice for many reasons. First and foremost, it’s delicious. The combination of chicken, zucchini, and cheese creates a comforting dish that everyone will love. Additionally, the recipe is quite healthy. The zucchinis provide lots of nutrients and are low in calories, making this a great option for those watching their diet. This dish is also very versatile; you can easily tweak it to suit your tastes. Finally, it’s easy to prepare and requires minimal cleanup since it’s all made in one baking dish.

how to make Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake

Creating this chicken zucchini bake is easy and requires just a few steps. Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need and the process to follow.

Ingredients :

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Directions :

1. Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is important as it ensures that your chicken zucchini bake cooks evenly and thoroughly.

2. Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, zucchini slices, cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the vegetables and chicken are evenly coated with seasoning.

3. Drizzle olive oil: Now, drizzle a bit of olive oil over the mixture. This adds flavor and helps everything cook nicely. Mix well to ensure that the olive oil covers all the ingredients.

4. Spread in a baking dish: Once mixed, spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly in a baking dish. This helps with even cooking and allows everything to sauté nicely in the oven.

5. Add cheese: Next, you’ll want to add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the mixture. This will create a delicious, cheesy crust that everyone will love!

6. Bake: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You want to bake it until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

7. Cool before serving: After baking, let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to dish out.

how to serve Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake

Serving Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake is quite simple. You can scoop out individual portions onto plates or into bowls. This dish can be enjoyed on its own as a complete meal, or you can serve it with some crusty bread or a simple side salad for added freshness. The melt-in-your-mouth cheese pairs wonderfully with a crisp salad, adding a nice contrast to the baked dish.

how to store Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake

If you have any leftovers, storing them is easy. Allow the chicken zucchini bake to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you’d like to store it for a longer period, you can freeze it. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and it can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

tips to make Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake

1. Cooked Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for an even easier option. You can shred it quickly and save time.

2. Zucchini: For a firmer texture, slice zucchini thickly. If you prefer softer zucchini, slice them thinly.

3. Add Spices: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. Basil, oregano, or garlic powder can elevate the flavors further.

4. More Veggies: Add other vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach to include more nutrients and variety in your bake.

5. Make Ahead: You can prepare the dish in advance, assemble it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

variation

If you want to mix things up, there are several variations you can try.

• Cheesy Spinach Chicken Bake: Add fresh spinach along with the zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Spice things up by adding red pepper flakes or using spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute zucchini with thinly sliced eggplant for a low-carb version.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can use different cheeses based on your preferences. Cheddar, gouda, or even feta cheese can be wonderful additions.

2. How can I ensure the zucchini isn’t watery?
To prevent excess moisture, you can salt the zucchini slices and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to draw out the water. Pat them dry with a paper towel before mixing them with the other ingredients.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can leave out the chicken and replace it with more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or cooked quinoa for a filling vegetarian option.

By following this easy recipe, you will have a delightful dish that is full of flavor and nutrition. Enjoy your Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake!

Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake

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• Author: lily
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

A simple and healthy one-pan meal combining chicken, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes topped with melted cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.

You may also like  Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the mixture and mix well.
4. Spread the mixture evenly in a baking dish.
5. Add shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. You can also add a variety of vegetables or spices to customize the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: chicken, zucchini, bake, healthy recipe, one-pan meal, easy dinner