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Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake – One-Dish Protein-Packed Dinner

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A protein-packed one-dish meal featuring tender chicken breast and fresh zucchini with savory seasonings, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 portions 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 medium zucchinis, diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, plus extra for garnish
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
  • 2 cups cooked rice for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, zucchini, and onion.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and add garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
  4. Optionally, place zucchini in a colander with ½ teaspoon salt for 15 minutes to reduce moisture, then pat dry.
  5. Transfer mixture to baking dish in a single layer. Bake 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F and zucchini is tender. Optionally broil 2-3 minutes for caramelized edges.
  6. Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh herbs and smoked paprika. Let rest 3-4 minutes and serve over rice.

Notes

  • Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
  • Marinate chicken in oil and spices for 30 minutes for maximum flavor.
  • Increase spices by 25% or add ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning for stronger flavors.
  • Serve over rice to absorb cooking juices. For drier result, drain excess liquid and return to oven 5 minutes.
  • Store leftovers in refrigerator up to 3 days.
  • Author: lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg