Description
This Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini recipe is a wholesome, flavorful, and simple dinner option perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender chicken breast pieces and fresh zucchini baked together with aromatic spices and olive oil, this dish delivers a healthy meal in just 40 minutes. It pairs wonderfully with quinoa or rice and is designed to satisfy a hungry family with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped into large pieces similar in size to the chicken
- 1 zucchini, sliced vertically into four large pieces, then chopped into smaller pieces
Seasonings and Oil
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp sea salt or to taste
- ¼ tsp freshly milled pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
- Make Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cumin, sea salt, and freshly milled pepper. Add the olive oil and mix thoroughly to form a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate Ingredients: Add the cut chicken, chopped onion, and zucchini pieces into the bowl with the marinade. Toss everything until well coated. For best flavor, let the mixture marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 24 hours refrigerated.
- Bake: Transfer the marinated chicken and vegetables to a baking dish in a single layer. Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot. This dish pairs nicely with fluffy quinoa or buttery rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- You can marinate the chicken and vegetables ahead of time to enhance the flavors.
- Substitute zucchini with yellow squash for a variation in texture and flavor.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat for more juiciness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.5 cup
- Calories: 238 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 644 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 71 mg
