Cheesy Chicken Zucchini Bake

$To make this Chicken Zucchini Bake, gather these simple ingredients: - 2 large zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds - 2 chicken breasts, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil for garnish (optional) You can add more flavors and textures to your bake. Here are some optional ingredients to consider: - Bell peppers for color and sweetness - Spinach for added greens - Mushrooms for a rich, earthy flavor - A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat - Other cheese types like cheddar or gouda If you don’t have some ingredients, no worries! Here are some swaps: - Chicken thighs instead of breasts for juiciness - Any type of cheese if mozzarella isn’t available - Zucchini can be replaced with yellow squash - Use fresh herbs if you have them instead of dried - Olive oil can be swapped for avocado oil or butter These ingredient tips help make the dish your own. Enjoy choosing what fits your taste! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. You will need: - 2 large zucchinis, sliced - 2 chicken breasts, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - Salt and pepper First, wash the zucchinis and slice them into thin rounds. Dice the chicken breasts into small pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes. This step makes cooking easier later on. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic. Sauté for about one minute. The garlic will smell great. Next, add the diced chicken. Season it with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes. It should be no longer pink. Make sure to stir occasionally for even cooking. Now it's time to layer everything. In a large baking dish, place half of the zucchini slices at the bottom. This will be the first layer. Spread the cooked chicken mixture evenly over the zucchini. Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes on top. Layer the remaining zucchini slices over the tomatoes. Finally, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly on top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Place it in the oven, preheated to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. You want the cheese to bubble and turn golden brown. Once done, let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your flavorful Chicken Zucchini Bake! To keep chicken juicy, start with fresh chicken breasts. Cut them into small pieces. This helps them cook faster and stay moist. Season with salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Cook the chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil. This creates a nice sear. Avoid overcooking the chicken. When it turns white and is no longer pink, it is done. Let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices inside. For a rich flavor, use mozzarella and Parmesan cheese together. Mozzarella melts well and gives a creamy texture. Parmesan adds a nutty, salty taste. You can also try adding cheddar or feta cheese for a twist. Mix different cheeses to find your favorite combo. Just remember to keep the total amount around 1.5 cups. This will ensure the dish stays balanced and delicious. To achieve perfect zucchini, slice it into thin rounds. Thin slices cook quickly and get tender. Layer the zucchini in the baking dish without overcrowding. This prevents steaming and keeps them firm. Baking at 400°F (200°C) is ideal. It allows the zucchini to cook through while retaining a bit of crunch. If you like a softer texture, you can pre-cook the zucchini in the skillet for a few minutes. This helps it soften before baking. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh zucchini and ripe cherry tomatoes. Fresh ingredients make a significant difference in taste. Customize the Cheese: Feel free to mix different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a unique flavor profile. Experimenting can elevate your dish! Layering Technique: Ensure even cooking by layering ingredients evenly. This helps all components cook uniformly and meld flavors beautifully. Rest Before Serving: Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes after baking. This helps the layers set, making it easier to serve without falling apart. {{image_2}} For a low-carb or keto version, skip the cherry tomatoes. They add some carbs. Use more zucchini instead. This keeps the dish light and healthy. You can also use more cheese. Cheddar or cream cheese works great here. These swaps keep the taste rich while lowering carbs. Enjoy this dish without guilt! To make a vegetarian-friendly bake, swap the chicken for beans or lentils. Chickpeas work well, too. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms. They add flavor and texture. Use the same baking steps. This keeps it simple and quick. You still get a hearty meal. Spices can change the whole dish. Try adding paprika or cayenne for heat. A pinch of cumin gives it a warm taste. You can also use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Just chop them up and mix them in. This adds a fresh twist to the dish. Don't be afraid to experiment! To keep your Chicken Zucchini Bake fresh, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you track how long it’s been in there. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to prevent the cheese from burning. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until it’s hot all the way through. You can also microwave individual servings for a quick meal. Just heat for one to two minutes, checking to avoid overheating. If you want to save it for later, freezing works great! Cut the bake into portions and place them in freezer-safe containers. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before sealing. You can freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then follow the reheating tips above for the best taste. Yes, you can prepare Chicken Zucchini Bake in advance. Cook the chicken and layer it with the zucchini, tomatoes, and cheese. Then, cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to eat, bake it straight from the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to heat it through. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, cut a piece open. The chicken should be white and have no pink inside. Cook it a little longer if it looks undercooked. Chicken Zucchini Bake pairs well with many sides. Consider a fresh green salad for crunch. Garlic bread or rice also complements the dish nicely. For a light touch, serve it with a side of steamed veggies. These options will make your meal more filling and colorful. This blog post covered the key ingredients and instructions for making a Chicken Zucchini Bake. You gained tips for keeping chicken juicy and explored variations like low-carb options. We also discussed storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Now you can create a tasty dish that suits your taste. Experiment with different ingredients and cooking methods. Enjoy your cooking journey and the delicious meals you create!$

Cheesy Chicken Zucchini Bake

A delicious and hearty bake featuring chicken, zucchini, and a blend of cheeses.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 large zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds
2 breasts chicken, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
to taste Salt and pepper
optional Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the diced chicken breasts to the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and is cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
In a large baking dish, layer half of the zucchini slices at the bottom.
Spread the cooked chicken mixture evenly over the zucchini.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes on top of the chicken.
Layer the remaining zucchini slices over the tomatoes, then sprinkle with the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Once baked, let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Garnish with fresh basil for added flavor.

Keyword bake, cheesy, chicken, zucchini