This Easy Italian Chicken and Zucchini Bake is a tasty one-pan meal! Juicy chicken and tender zucchini are mixed with cheesy goodness and Italian herbs, making it full of flavor.
I love how simple it is to throw everything together! Just bake it until it’s hot and bubbly, and you’ve got a delicious dinner ready to go. Who knew healthy could be so easy? 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here, but you can use thighs if you prefer darker meat. They might make the dish a bit juicier too!
Zucchini: Medium zucchini adds a nice texture and flavor. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash works well as a substitute. Even bell peppers can work if you’re feeling adventurous!
Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness and more moisture to the dish. If they’re out of season, canned diced tomatoes or even sliced regular tomatoes can be used instead.
Cheeses: Mozzarella gives great meltiness, but you can mix it up! Try provolone or even a bit of ricotta for a creamy texture. For Parmesan, grated Pecorino Romano is a nice alternative.
What’s the Best Way to Sear Chicken for Even Cooking?
Searing chicken is crucial for flavor and keeping it juicy. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your skillet over medium heat. Make sure it’s hot before adding oil to get a good sear.
- Add oil and then the chicken. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown.
- Flip the chicken only once! It helps achieve that nice crust. The goal is to brown it, not fully cook it before baking.
This technique locks in moisture and provides a great texture when finished in the oven!
Easy Italian Chicken and Zucchini Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup marinara sauce or tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to cook, making it a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your meal bakes evenly and thoroughly!
2. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Take a baking dish and lightly grease it with olive oil. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
3. Season the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. This will give your chicken a nice flavor right from the start!
4. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chicken breasts and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Remember, they don’t need to be fully cooked; you’ll finish cooking them in the oven! Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside.
5. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the sliced onion and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant and translucent. This will build a lovely base flavor!
6. Add Zucchini and Tomatoes:
Next, add the sliced zucchinis and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Season them with salt, pepper, the remaining Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if desired. Cook this mixture for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
7. Layer the Sauce:
Spread the marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This will create a delicious layer under your veggies and chicken.
8. Add the Veggies:
Layer the sautéed vegetables over the marinara sauce. This creates a flavor-packed base for your chicken.
9. Top with Chicken:
Now, arrange the seared chicken breasts on top of the vegetables. This way, they will soak up all the flavors as they bake.
10. Cheese It Up:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Who doesn’t love cheesy goodness?
11. Bake:
Bake the dish uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Check that the chicken is fully cooked by ensuring it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Let It Rest:
Once out of the oven, let the dish rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle.
13. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve your wonderful Easy Italian Chicken and Zucchini Bake with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Enjoy your tasty dish! 🍽️
FAQ: Easy Italian Chicken and Zucchini Bake
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! While zucchini and cherry tomatoes are great, you can substitute with bell peppers, mushrooms, or asparagus. Just ensure you cut them into similar sizes for even cooking!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t include any bread or pasta. Just double-check your marinara or tomato sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free as well.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dish can be reheated in the microwave or oven. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can chop the vegetables and season the chicken a day ahead, then assemble and bake the dish when ready to eat. It also freezes well; just thaw in the fridge before baking!
