Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake: Healthy One-Dish Meal (Print Version)
Healthy one-dish chicken zucchini bake. Simple ingredients for a nutritious, flavorful weeknight dinner. Quick prep, easy cleanup.
# 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, Low-Fat
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Protein & Veggie Base
01 -
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 -
2 lbs zucchini (about 4 medium), quartered lengthwise and sliced 1/2-inch thick
→ Savory Sauce & Aromatics
03 -
1 tbsp olive oil
04 -
1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
05 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
07 -
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
08 -
1 tsp Italian seasoning
09 -
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
→ Finishing Touch & Seasoning
10 -
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
11 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
12 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Quarter 2 lbs zucchini lengthwise and slice 1/2-inch thick. This initial prep sets the stage for your Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake: Healthy One-Dish Meal.
02 -
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced, and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in 3 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
03 -
Pour in 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained, and 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth. Stir in 1 tsp Italian seasoning and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld for 5 minutes.
04 -
Add the cubed 1 1/2 lbs chicken breasts and sliced 2 lbs zucchini to the skillet with the simmering sauce. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste, preparing for the bake.
05 -
Cover the skillet (or transfer to a 9x13 inch baking dish if not oven-safe) and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the zucchini is tender.
06 -
Remove the Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake: Healthy One-Dish Meal from the oven. Sprinkle 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
07 -
Let the Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake: Healthy One-Dish Meal rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for a burst of freshness. Serve warm as a complete and satisfying meal.
# Notes:
01 -
Zucchini releases a lot of water when cooked. To prevent a watery dish, ensure your zucchini slices aren't too thin and avoid overcooking; it should be tender-crisp, not mushy.
02 -
Leftovers of this Easy Chicken Zucchini 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 -
Feel free to substitute chicken with turkey or firm white fish. You can also add other quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers or spinach during the last 10 minutes of baking.
04 -
While a complete meal on its own, this bake pairs wonderfully with a side of brown rice, quinoa, or a light green salad for an even more filling dinner.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
9x13 inch baking dish
02 -
cutting board
03 -
sharp knife
04 -
large skillet
05 -
measuring cups
06 -
measuring spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 365 kcal
Total Fat: 11 g
Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
Protein: 56 g