This Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake is a winner, packed with juicy chicken, fresh zucchini, and crispy bacon. It’s a comfort dish that’s simple to whip up!
Honestly, who can resist the smell of bacon? I love how this bake not only tastes amazing but also makes veggies a hit at dinner. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in those greens!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish because they cook evenly. If you prefer, you can use thighs for a juicier option. Rotisserie chicken is another great cheat if you’re short on time!
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds moisture and a slight crunch. If zucchini isn’t available, you can substitute with yellow squash or even eggplant, but adjust the cooking time as they may have different textures.
Bacon: Crispy bacon brings a wonderful smokiness to the bake. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon works well too, though it may not be as crispy.
Cheeses: Cheddar is great for its flavor, but mozzarella adds extra gooeyness if you prefer. You could also use a dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy or try nutritional yeast for a cheese-like flavor.
How Do I Get The Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken just right is key! Here’s a simple way to ensure it’s tender and juicy:
- First, sear the chicken on medium heat for a nice golden exterior. This helps keep the juices in.
- Make sure to avoid overcooking it while you bake. Since the chicken will finish cooking in the oven, aim for just a light sear.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat.
These tips will help you serve perfectly cooked chicken in your bake!
Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake with Crispy Bacon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
- 6 slices of bacon
For the Cheese and Seasoning:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)
Time Needed:
This delightful chicken zucchini bake will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 40 minutes to bake. The total time is about 55 minutes from start to finish, giving you a delicious meal without much fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Baking Dish:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready for baking. Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking later on.
2. Cooking the Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are crispy. Once done, remove them from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain excess fat. Once they’ve cooled a bit, crumble or chop them into bite-sized pieces. Remember, keep some bacon fat in the pan for flavor!
3. Searing the Chicken:
While the bacon cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. In the same skillet with the reserved bacon fat (or add olive oil if needed), sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown, but not fully cooked. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sautéing the Vegetables:
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. This will enhance the flavor of your bake!
5. Layering the Dish:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Start by layering half of the sliced zucchinis evenly at the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Next, place the seared chicken breasts over the zucchini, then add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture on top of the chicken. Follow with another layer of the remaining sliced zucchinis.
6. Adding the Finishing Touches:
Sprinkle the crumbled crispy bacon over the top, season with the remaining Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Finally, cover everything with the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Baking to Perfection:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Time to Serve!
Once baked, let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Enjoy the wonderful flavors of this chicken zucchini bake with the irresistible crunch of bacon!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake with Crispy Bacon
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! While zucchini is delightful, you can swap it for other veggies like yellow squash or bell peppers. Just remember that cooking times may vary based on the vegetable’s firmness.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for a day. When ready, just bake as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What Should I Serve with This Bake?
This chicken zucchini bake goes great with a side salad, garlic bread, or over a bed of rice or quinoa to soak up all the delicious juices. Enjoy your meal!
