Description
A simple and flavorful Chicken Zucchini Bake featuring tender chicken breasts baked with fresh zucchini slices, seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This comforting casserole is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (half of total)
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into ½ inch rounds
Seasonings & Cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (remaining half)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish using nonstick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning to enhance flavor.
- Arrange Ingredients: Place the seasoned chicken breasts evenly in the baking dish. Arrange the zucchini slices around the chicken to create an even layer.
- Add Olive Oil and Seasonings: Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and zucchini. Sprinkle the garlic powder and the remaining Italian seasoning evenly on top.
- Top with Cheese: Generously cover the chicken and zucchini with shredded mozzarella cheese to ensure a cheesy, golden crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately check chicken doneness for safety.
- You can substitute mozzarella with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or cheddar.
- For extra flavor, add sliced onions or bell peppers along with zucchini.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to retain juices before serving.
- Serve with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Chicken Zucchini Bake, baked chicken, healthy chicken dinner, mozzarella chicken bake, Italian seasoning chicken, zucchini recipes
