Description
A simple and comforting one-dish chicken zucchini bake featuring tender chicken, fresh zucchini, onions, and melted cheese, perfect for a fuss-free family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5–2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1–2 medium zucchini, sliced
- Optional yellow squash, sliced
- 1 sweet onion, sliced
- ½ cup prepared pesto or olive oil
- Minced garlic (if using olive oil)
- Italian herbs (if using olive oil)
- 4 oz Parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 oz Mozzarella cheese, grated
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
- Slice the zucchini, yellow squash (if using), and onion.
- Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Layer the sliced vegetables over the chicken.
- Drizzle the pesto evenly over the vegetables and chicken. Alternatively, drizzle with herb-seasoned olive oil.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top.
- Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil.
- Let the chicken zucchini bake rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a Mediterranean twist, swap pesto for olive oil mixed with oregano, thyme, garlic, and lemon juice.
- Add mushrooms for a low-carb variation.
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- Toss in cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 °F for about 15 minutes or in the microwave.
- Zucchini can become soft when frozen; it’s best to freeze cooked chicken separately and assemble fresh vegetables later.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free if pesto and cheeses are gluten-free.
- For a dairy-free option, omit cheese and increase olive oil and herbs, or use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of the bake)
- Calories: Varies based on ingredients, estimate 400-500
- Sugar: Varies
- Sodium: Varies
- Fat: Varies
- Saturated Fat: Varies
- Unsaturated Fat: Varies
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Varies
- Fiber: Varies
- Protein: Varies
- Cholesterol: Varies