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Italian Chicken and Zucchini Bake Recipe

Italian Chicken and Zucchini Bake Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 19 reviews

A delicious and hearty Italian Chicken and Zucchini Bake featuring tender chicken breasts baked with fresh zucchini, marinara sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a comforting, savory meal perfect for any weeknight.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Vegetables

  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauces and Cheeses

  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Others

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking.
  2. Sauté garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, to infuse the oil with flavor.
  3. Cook chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add them to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to maintain juiciness.
  4. Cook zucchini: In the same skillet, add the sliced zucchini and cook for about 3-4 minutes until slightly softened, enhancing their flavor without losing texture. Remove from heat.
  5. Assemble bake: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a baking dish. Place the chicken breasts on top to create the base of the dish.
  6. Add vegetables and sauce: Scatter the zucchini slices around the chicken and pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the chicken and zucchini to keep everything moist and flavorful.
  7. Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top to create a delicious cheesy crust.
  8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the cheese is golden and bubbly, indicating it’s perfectly melted.
  9. Cool and garnish: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired for an added fresh and aromatic touch.
  10. Serve: Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Italian Chicken and Zucchini Bake as a fulfilling and wholesome meal.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in Italian seasoning and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • You can substitute zucchini with yellow squash or eggplant if preferred.
  • Use low-fat cheese to reduce calories and fat content.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain texture.
  • Adding crushed red pepper flakes can add a nice spicy kick to the dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian Chicken Bake, Zucchini Bake, Baked Chicken with Vegetables, Healthy Italian Dinner, Mozzarella Chicken Bake

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/italian-chicken-and-zucchini-bake-recipe/