For a healthy, simple, and flavorful dinner, look no further than this Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish brings together tender chicken breasts and fresh zucchini rounds, seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs, then baked to perfection. With minimal prep and ingredients, it’s a light yet satisfying meal that can be on your table in under 30 minutes. The addition of lemon slices adds a bright, zesty finish that complements the savory flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or your favorite herb blend)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 lemon, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Rub this seasoning blend evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Prepare the Zucchini: In a separate bowl, toss the zucchini slices with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Arrange in the Baking Dish: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Arrange the zucchini slices around the chicken, ensuring they are evenly spread out.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil: Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken and zucchini to help keep everything moist while baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the zucchini is tender.
- Garnish and Serve : Remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh lemon slices for a zesty, fresh flavor before serving.
Conclusion:
This Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini is a nutritious and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The juicy chicken breasts, paired with the tender zucchini, are seasoned with simple herbs and garlic, creating a satisfying and wholesome meal. With minimal ingredients and effort, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite, offering a healthy and delicious option that everyone will enjoy.
Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 medium zucchinis sliced into rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or your favorite herb blend
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon paprika optional
- 1 lemon sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Rub this seasoning blend evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Prepare the Zucchini: In a separate bowl, toss the zucchini slices with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Arrange in the Baking Dish: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Arrange the zucchini slices around the chicken, ensuring they are evenly spread out.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil: Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken and zucchini to help keep everything moist while baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the zucchini is tender.
- Garnish and Serve : Remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh lemon slices for a zesty, fresh flavor before serving.