This Easy Italian Chicken and Zucchini Bake is a simple yet tasty dish! Juicy chicken, fresh zucchini, and zesty Italian spices come together for a quick weeknight meal.
What I love most is how colorful it looks on my plate. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without any fuss. Grab a fork and enjoy this healthy delight! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds great texture and lightness. If zucchini isn’t available, you could use yellow squash or even eggplant. Both options will work wonderfully!
Chicken: I love using cooked chicken breasts for this dish. You can also use rotisserie chicken to save time. If you want a vegetarian option, replace chicken with cooked chickpeas or lentils.
Marinara Sauce: A good marinara boosts the flavor. However, store-bought is fine! For a twist, consider using pesto for a different taste or homemade sauce if you’re up for it.
Cheese: Mozzarella is key for that melty effect, but feel free to swap in Provolone or even a dairy-free cheese if needed. Parmesan gives a nice salty kick, but nutritional yeast can be a good substitute for a vegan friendly dish.
How Do I Get the Zucchini Just Right?
Sautéing the zucchini before baking is essential to prevent it from becoming too watery. It helps release some moisture first. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced zucchini and cook for about 5 minutes until they’re slightly tender.
- Season with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning, then remove from heat.
This step not only flavors the zucchini but also keeps your bake from getting soggy. Enjoy a tasty, well-textured dish!
Easy Italian Chicken and Zucchini Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 1 1/2 cups marinara or Italian tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Seasonings:
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful bake takes roughly 10 minutes to prepare and around 35-40 minutes to cook, including some baking time. In total, you’ll be looking at about 50 minutes until you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your dish.
2. Sauté the Zucchini:
In a skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced zucchini and sauté them for about 5 minutes. You want them to start softening up. Season with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Once they’re done, remove the skillet from the heat.
3. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Take a baking dish and lightly grease it with a tiny bit of oil or cooking spray. Then, spread half of your marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the dish.
4. Build the Layers:
Next, layer half of your cooked chicken and the sautéed zucchini over the sauce. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top to get that cheesy goodness going!
5. Repeat the Layers:
Now, repeat the layering process with the remaining marinara sauce, chicken, zucchini, and cheeses. It’s like stacking up deliciousness!
6. Add Seasonings:
Sprinkle the remaining Italian seasoning and garlic powder on top for that extra flavor punch.
7. Bake it Up:
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 20 minutes. After that time, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown.
8. Let it Rest:
Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps everything settle and makes it easier to serve.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish with fresh parsley or basil if you’d like, then serve and enjoy your hearty, cheesy Italian Chicken and Zucchini Bake!
This dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week. Enjoy every bite! 🍽️
FAQ for Easy Italian Chicken and Zucchini Bake
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! While zucchini is fantastic, you can also use bell peppers, mushrooms, or eggplant. Just make sure to sauté them a bit first to soften them and release excess moisture.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the dish a day ahead of time. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, it might need a few extra minutes in the oven if it’s cold from the fridge.
What Should I Do with Leftover Bake?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes! This bake freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then cover it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
