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Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake

A delicious, healthy one-dish meal combining tender chicken, zucchini, and savory spices perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 2 medium zucchinis (diced)
  • 1 medium onion (diced)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil plus extra for greasing
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika plus extra for garnish
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley (chopped)
  • 2 cups cooked rice (for serving)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with diced zucchini and onion, tossing gently to distribute evenly.
  3. Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture, then add minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss thoroughly until every piece is well-coated.
  4. Transfer the seasoned mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it in a single layer.
Cooking
  1. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the zucchini is tender.
  2. Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped herbs and an extra pinch of smoked paprika.
Serving
  1. Serve hot over warm cooked rice with a side salad or crusty bread.

Notes

For added flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil and spices for a few hours before baking. Experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers or eggplant. Avoid overcrowding the baking dish to ensure even cooking. This dish can easily be turned into a casserole by adding cheese on top before baking.