If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, fuss-free dinner that practically cooks itself, look no further than this Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe! This delicious one-pan wonder features juicy chicken breasts baked alongside crisp-tender zucchini, all topped with a golden, melty layer of mozzarella and Parmesan. Bursting with flavor, it delivers wholesome comfort with a light, fresh twist—perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a healthy, cheesy classic that’s as simple to make as it is satisfying.

Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe lies in its short, no-fuss ingredient list. Each ingredient brings something special to the table, whether it be a pop of color, a burst of flavor, or creamy melt-in-your-mouth texture. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:

Chicken Breasts: Look for boneless, skinless pieces for lean, juicy protein that bakes beautifully alongside veggies.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini rounds add vibrant green color and subtle earthy sweetness—you’ll love how tender they get!
Olive Oil: A drizzle enhances flavor and keeps everything moist as it roasts.
Garlic Powder: The secret ingredient for garlicky aroma without the fuss of chopping cloves.
Onion Powder: Adds savory depth and rounds out the seasoning mix perfectly.
Italian Seasoning: Just a sprinkle infuses classic herby notes for that irresistible Mediterranean flair.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for pulling out the flavors in every bite—taste as you go for best results!
Mozzarella Cheese: Gives this dish its irresistible gooey, cheesy top—pre-shredded works well for convenience.
Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, umami-rich finish that pairs beautifully with the other cheeses.
Chopped Fresh Parsley: Totally optional, but it adds a burst of green and a fresh, finishing touch.

How to Make Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Ingredients

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this makes cleanup a total breeze and ensures nothing sticks! Slice your zucchini into even 1/2-inch rounds so they cook perfectly alongside the chicken.

Step 2: Arrange Chicken and Zucchini

Place the chicken breasts right in the center of your baking dish, then arrange those gorgeous green zucchini slices around (and a little under) the chicken. This not only makes for a pretty presentation right out of the oven, but also guarantees every bite gets just the right mix of juicy protein and tender veggies.

Step 3: Season and Toss

Now it’s time to infuse everything with big, bold flavors! Drizzle olive oil over both the chicken and zucchini, then sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper all over. Lightly toss the zucchini with your hands or a spoon to make sure every piece soaks up those delicious seasonings.

Step 4: First Bake

Slide your dish, uncovered, into the hot oven and bake for about 20 minutes. This initial roasting helps the chicken start cooking through and gives the zucchini a head start toward tender deliciousness.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Carefully remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over both the chicken and zucchini. This is my favorite part—it transforms the whole bake into cheesy, bubbling perfection!

Step 6: Finish Baking

Put the dish back into the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, the zucchini is perfectly tender, and the cheese on top is gloriously melted and golden. For peace of mind, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken breasts have reached an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe comes out of the oven, sprinkle on some chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve it warm and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!

How to Serve Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe

Garnishes

A finishing sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a vibrant touch and a hint of brightness to the Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe. You could also try a dash of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to wake up all those savory flavors.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs so well with fluffy quinoa, a simple green salad, or even some crusty bread to soak up the cheesy juices. If you’re keeping things low-carb, serve it with cauliflower rice or a medley of roasted root veggies for a nourishing, filling dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the cooked chicken and layering it over a bed of zucchini, then spooning the melty cheese sauce on top for an elegant plated look. For a fun family-style presentation, serve directly from the baking dish and let everyone dig in—the gooey cheese and colorful veggies make it gorgeous as-is!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe store exceptionally well! Simply transfer the cooled chicken and veggies to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making leftovers just as satisfying.

Freezing

If you’re prepping ahead, this dish can be frozen after baking. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to three months. For best texture, freeze without the parsley garnish and add it fresh after reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 2–3 minutes or until heated through. If you’re warming a larger amount, cover the baking dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes. Add a sprinkle of extra cheese if desired to revive that gooey topping!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring a slightly richer flavor and extra juiciness to the Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

What other vegetables can I add to this recipe?

You can toss in sliced cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or even mushrooms alongside the zucchini for extra color and flavor. Just be mindful of cooking times so everything stays tender but not mushy.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can skip the cheese or use your favorite plant-based cheese alternative for a dairy-free version. The Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe is still delicious even without the cheesy top!

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer—your chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, slice into the thickest part; the juices should run clear and the meat should no longer look pink.

Is this Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as written, this recipe is 100% gluten-free. It’s perfect for anyone following a gluten-free diet or just wanting a simple, wholesome meal!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll give this Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe a try! It’s the kind of dinner that brings comfort and satisfaction without any stress, whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself. Let it become your new weeknight favorite—dig in and savor every cheesy, herby bite!

Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe is a simple and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are baked with seasoned zucchini and topped with a cheesy blend for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken and Zucchini:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste

For Topping:

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Chicken and Zucchini: Place the chicken breasts in the center of the dish and arrange the sliced zucchini around them. Drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven, top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.