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Delicious Chicken Zucchini Bake

A cozy baked casserole with tender chicken, sliced zucchini, savory seasonings, and melted cheese.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken and Vegetables
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 medium zucchini sliced into half-moons
  • 1 small yellow onion thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
Seasoning and Oil
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Cheese and Finish
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, or use 1 teaspoon dried herbs

Equipment

  • 1 Large mixing bowl
  • 1 baking dish 2 to 2 1/2 quart round or oval
  • 1 measuring spoons
  • 1 cutting board
  • 1 chef's knife
  • 1 aluminum foil for covering during first bake
  • 1 instant-read thermometer to check chicken doneness

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 2 to 2 1/2 quart baking dish.
  2. Place the chicken in a large bowl. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss to coat evenly.
  3. Add the zucchini, onion, garlic, and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the bowl. Toss until the vegetables are lightly coated and combined with the chicken.
  4. Spread the zucchini and onion mixture into the prepared baking dish. Arrange the chicken evenly over the top.
  5. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  6. Remove the foil. Stir gently if needed, then sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
  7. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes more, or until the chicken is cooked through to 165°F and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
  8. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes if desired for extra browning, watching closely.
  9. Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with parsley and serve.

Notes

Cut zucchini into slightly thick half-moons so they hold their shape. Chicken thighs stay especially juicy, but breasts work too. If the dish releases a lot of liquid, spoon off a little before adding the cheese. Always cook chicken to 165°F.