I love creating healthy and simple meals, especially when fresh zucchini is available. If you’re searching for quick weeknight dinners that use everyday ingredients, you’ve found the perfect spot. Today, I’m excited to share two wonderful chicken and zucchini bake recipes.
Both recipes feature lean chicken and wholesome zucchini, but they offer distinct, delightful tastes that will keep your dinner rotation fresh. They are straightforward to make and perfect for a family meal. Let’s get cooking!
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Easy Italian Chicken And Zucchini Bake Recipe
I love simple weeknight meals, and this Italian chicken and zucchini bake is one of my favorites. It’s packed with fresh flavors and comes together with minimal effort, making dinner stress-free.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Italian Chicken Bake
- Chicken Thighs: I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken thighs here. They stay juicy and flavorful when baked, which I find works better than chicken breasts for this particular recipe.
- Italian Seasoning: Do not skip this! It truly brings all the classic Italian herbs together in one simple step, giving you that authentic taste easily.
- Zucchini Slices: Make sure to cut your zucchini into even slices. This helps them cook at a similar rate to the chicken, ensuring everything is tender at the same time.
- Cherry Tomatoes: When baked, these tomatoes burst and release their juices, adding a lovely sweet and slightly acidic pop to the whole dish.
What You Need for Italian Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
⏱️ Time: Prep: 15 mins, Cook: 25 mins🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Italian Chicken and Zucchini
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies and Chicken
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating, grab a large bowl and combine the chopped chicken thighs, sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped red onion.
Step 2: Season Everything Well
Next, drizzle the mixture with olive oil. Sprinkle it evenly with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything gently until all ingredients are coated nicely with the seasonings.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden
Spread the seasoned chicken and vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish the dish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. This Italian chicken and zucchini bake is great on its own, or you can serve it with a side of pasta or some crusty bread.
📝 Final Note
Leftovers from this Italian bake store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven for another easy meal.
Easy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe
This Mediterranean chicken zucchini bake is light, fresh, and full of wonderful tastes. It’s an easy one-pan meal that’s perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner for you and your family.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Mediterranean Chicken
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon adds a bright, zesty touch that really complements the Mediterranean herbs. Always use fresh lemon if you can.
- Kalamata Olives: These olives bring a lovely salty and tangy taste that makes this dish truly special. I always have some on hand.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a creamy, salty finish right at the very end. It melts slightly from the heat and enhances the experience.
- Dried Oregano: This is a key herb for that authentic Mediterranean taste. You can use dried or fresh, whatever you have is fine.
What You Need for Mediterranean Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 medium zucchini, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, for serving
⏱️ Time: Prep: 20 mins, Cook: 25 mins🍽️ Yields: 4-5 servings
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken and Zucchini
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large baking dish or on a sheet pan, combine the chicken cubes, chopped zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, halved Kalamata olives, and thinly sliced red onion.
Step 2: Season and Mix
Next, drizzle the mixture with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss everything gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
Step 3: Bake It Up
Spread the seasoned chicken and vegetables into an even layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Finish with Feta
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle generously with crumbled feta cheese before serving. It’s delicious with a side of quinoa or warm pita bread.
📝 Final Note
You can add a handful of fresh spinach to this Mediterranean bake during the last 5 minutes of baking for an extra boost of greens. It wilts beautifully into the dish.