Description
This Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake is a wholesome, one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breast pieces baked with fresh zucchini, onion, and aromatic spices like smoked paprika and cumin. It’s a simple and flavorful dish perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, served alongside fluffy cooked rice and garnished with fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Herbs
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
Serving
- 2 cups cooked rice
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken breast pieces with diced zucchinis, diced onion, and minced garlic.
- Season the Mixture. Add olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the spices and oil.
- Assemble and Bake. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the zucchini is tender.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Garnish. Remove the bake from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or parsley on top. Add an extra pinch of smoked paprika for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve. Spoon the chicken zucchini bake over the cooked rice and enjoy a warm, nutritious meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken pieces in the spices and olive oil for 30 minutes before baking.
- To keep the dish low-carb, serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- You can substitute fresh parsley with cilantro based on preference.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for added variety.
Keywords: chicken zucchini bake, easy chicken bake, healthy chicken recipe, baked chicken and vegetables, gluten free chicken dinner