Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake: Protein-Packed One-Dish Meal (Print Version)
Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake is a protein-packed, healthy one-dish meal. Simple to prepare, this flavorful recipe is perfect for weeknights and meal prep.
# 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, Diabetic-Friendly
# Ingredients:
→ Savory Chicken Foundation
01 -
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
→ Garden Freshness
02 -
2 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced 1/2-inch thick
03 -
1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
04 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Creamy & Cheesy Binder
05 -
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or full-fat)
06 -
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
07 -
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
08 -
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Aromatic Enhancers & Seasoning
09 -
1 tbsp olive oil
10 -
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
11 -
1/2 tsp garlic powder
12 -
1/4 tsp black pepper
13 -
Salt to taste
14 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. In a large bowl, combine 2 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced 1/2-inch thick, with 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced, and 2 cloves garlic, minced. This initial prep sets the stage for your Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake.
02 -
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and season with 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and salt to taste. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned but not cooked through.
03 -
Add the diced 1/2 yellow onion and minced 2 cloves garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens. Stir in the sliced 2 medium zucchini and 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until zucchini is slightly tender-crisp.
04 -
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 cup of the 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired. This forms the delicious binder for your Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake.
05 -
Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and zucchini mixture in the skillet. Stir gently to combine everything thoroughly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
06 -
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F) and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden-brown top, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully. This completes your Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake | Protein-Packed One-Dish Meal.
07 -
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish generously with 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped. Serve hot and enjoy this Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake | Protein-Packed One-Dish Meal.
# Notes:
01 -
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.
02 -
Leftovers 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 swap zucchini for yellow squash or add bell peppers for more color and nutrients. You can also use cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella.
04 -
Serve this bake on its own for a light meal, or alongside a simple green salad or quinoa for a more substantial dinner.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
9x13 inch baking dish
02 -
cutting board
03 -
sharp knife
04 -
large mixing bowl
05 -
measuring cups
06 -
measuring spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 470 kcal
Total Fat: 17 g
Total Carbohydrate: 7 g
Protein: 67 g