Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake – A Simple One-Pan Dinner

This Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake is my go-to when I need a healthy, satisfying dinner without the fuss. It’s a simple one-pan meal that combines tender chicken with fresh zucchini, all baked together with melted cheese on top. I love that it’s packed with protein, making it perfect for those busy nights when you still want something homemade and nutritious.

I’ll never forget the first time I threw this together on a hectic Wednesday evening. I had zucchini from my neighbor’s garden taking up half my fridge and chicken breasts that needed to be used. Instead of my usual separate pan routine, I tossed everything into one baking dish, and honestly, it was one of those happy kitchen accidents that became a weekly staple. This chicken zucchini bake has that wonderful balance of being incredibly simple but still feeling like a real meal. The Italian seasoning brings everything together, and when that cheese gets all golden and bubbly, it’s hard to believe something this easy tastes so good. It’s become my answer to “what’s for dinner” more times than I can count, and I love how it makes meal prep a breeze too.

What You’ll Need to Make This Chicken Zucchini Bake

I always use fresh zucchini for this recipe because it holds up better during baking and doesn’t release too much water. Pro tip: slice your zucchini evenly so everything cooks at the same rate.

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Personal tip: I prefer using chicken breasts because they’re lean and cook quickly, but thighs work beautifully if you want a richer flavor. Just be sure your chicken pieces are similar in size so they cook evenly.

How to Make This Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake

I recommend prepping all your ingredients before you start because once you get going, this comes together super fast.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for cooking the chicken through without drying it out while keeping the zucchini tender-crisp.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces, zucchini slices, red onion, minced garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until all the pieces are evenly coated with the seasonings and oil. Pro tip: use your hands to really work the seasonings into the chicken.

Step 3: Transfer the mixture to your 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it in an even layer, making sure pieces aren’t piled on top of each other. Don’t pile it too high or the chicken won’t cook evenly. If your dish looks crowded, use a larger one.

Step 4: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The zucchini should be tender but not mushy, and you’ll start smelling that amazing garlic and Italian seasoning aroma.

Step 5: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. The cheese will melt faster if you spread it while everything is still piping hot.

Step 6: Return to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots forming on top. Watch it during the last few minutes because cheese can go from perfectly melted to overdone quickly.

Step 7: Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Perfect Pairings for Your Chicken Zucchini Bake

This bake pairs beautifully with both light and hearty sides depending on your mood.

Brown Rice or Quinoa: These whole grains soak up any pan juices and add extra fiber and nutrients, making this easy chicken zucchini bake an even more complete meal. The nutty flavor of quinoa especially complements the Italian seasonings.

Simple Green Salad: A crisp romaine or mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the cheese and adds refreshing crunch. It’s one of the best sides for chicken zucchini bake when you want to keep things light.

Crusty Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up those flavorful pan juices. The garlic echoes the garlic in the bake and makes it feel like a complete Italian-inspired dinner.

Roasted Cauliflower: Adds another vegetable to your plate and its slight sweetness when roasted pairs wonderfully with the savory chicken and cheese.

More Protein-Packed One-Pan Dinners

Looking for more simple chicken dinners that come together in one pan? This Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake pairs perfectly with other weeknight favorites. For another Italian-inspired option, try the Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce, which delivers similar comfort with an indulgent creamy element.

When you want to switch up the vegetables, the Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn uses similar cooking techniques but adds sweet corn for extra flavor. For Mediterranean-inspired variety, the Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake incorporates feta cheese and olives. Complete the meal with a hearty side like Honey Roasted Butternut Squash for a satisfying dinner spread.

Storing Your Chicken Zucchini Bake

This easy chicken zucchini bake stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep. I recommend letting it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and sometimes I think it tastes even better the next day when all the flavors have melded together.

For reheating, I prefer using the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This keeps the chicken moist and helps the cheese get melty again. The microwave works in a pinch (2-3 minutes on medium power), but the texture won’t be quite as nice.

Pro tip: you can freeze this in individual portions for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat. It’s a lifesaver to have a healthy, protein-packed meal ready to go on those extra busy nights.

Your Chicken Zucchini Bake Questions Answered

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