Easy Chicken and Zucchini Bake: Delicious Family Dinner!

As a busy mom, there’s nothing I love more than a simple, comforting meal that everyone in the family enjoys. That’s why I’m so excited to share my go-to recipe: chicken and zucchini bake! It’s a dinnertime win that brings smiles to the table.

For me, this journey started with a fridge full of zucchini and a desire to create something healthy and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. I wanted a chicken and vegetable bake that was flavorful and satisfying. My kids, bless their hearts, can be picky eaters, but they surprisingly loved this dish!

It’s become a household staple. The best part? It’s adaptable. This chicken and zucchini bake is a comforting dish that my family requests often.

I’m here to offer fellow busy moms a sanity-saving comfort food solution. My chicken and zucchini bake is all about creating deliciousness without the stress.

Trust me, this chicken and zucchini bake ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 medium zucchini, sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

No heavy cream? No worries! I often use plain Greek yogurt for extra tang and a little protein boost in my chicken and zucchini bake. My family gets extra comfort when I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Here’s a chicken and zucchini bake comfort hack that changed our family’s dinnertime: pre-chopped veggies! I’ll often grab a bag of mixed, pre-cut veggies to save even more time. This chicken and vegetable bake proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive, or time-consuming.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures your comforting chicken and zucchini bake doesn’t stick!
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This builds a flavorful base for your chicken and zucchini bake.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides. Don’t worry about cooking the chicken completely through at this point, as it will finish cooking in the oven. In my busy kitchen, this comforting chicken and zucchini bake usually takes about 30 minutes of prep before going into the oven.
4. Stir in the sliced zucchini and diced tomatoes. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Now’s the perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
5. Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly. Don’t worry if your chicken and zucchini bake looks a little saucy – it will thicken up in the oven.
6. Pour the heavy cream over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Then, sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. This adds a creamy richness to the chicken and zucchini bake.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your chicken and zucchini bake should smell amazing by now!
8. Let the baked chicken zucchini stand for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the casserole to cool slightly. Here’s where I used to struggle with my chicken and zucchini bake – I’d cut into it too soon, and it would fall apart. Learn from my experience!

While your chicken and zucchini bake is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! This easy chicken zucchini bake is simple enough that even the kids can help! My youngest loves sprinkling the cheese.

The kids devour this comforting chicken and zucchini bake when I serve it with a simple side salad and some crusty bread for soaking up all those delicious juices. It’s a complete and satisfying meal that everyone enjoys.

This chicken and zucchini bake is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! I also love making it for potlucks because it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Sometimes I’ll add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for extra freshness and color. Presentation matters, even for simple weeknight meals! The vibrant colors of the zucchini and tomatoes make this baked chicken zucchini even more appealing.

Leftovers? Absolutely! This chicken and zucchini bake recipe is just as good the next day. I often pack it for lunch or reheat it for a quick and easy dinner. For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out chicken parmesan soup.

In the summer, when zucchini is abundant, I sometimes grill the zucchini slices before adding them to the casserole for a smoky flavor. My friend raved about this chicken and vegetable bake when I brought it to her house last month.

• Is this chicken and zucchini bake really filling enough for growing kids?

Absolutely! The combination of chicken, vegetables, and cheese provides a good balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep those little bellies full and happy. I sometimes serve it with a side of quinoa or brown rice for extra staying power.

• What if my picky eater won’t try this chicken and zucchini bake?

I get it! Picky eaters are a challenge. Try cutting the zucchini into smaller pieces or even grating it. You can also add a little extra cheese to make it more appealing. Sometimes, just calling it a “cheesy chicken bake” can do the trick! If your kids love this hearty recipe, they’ll go crazy for chicken enchilada soup.

• Can I meal prep this chicken and zucchini bake for busy weeks ahead?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

• Can I use other vegetables in this chicken and zucchini bake?

Of course! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Get creative and use what you have on hand.

• Is this chicken and zucchini bake gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free ingredients. Double-check the labels on your cheese and Italian seasoning to be sure. This comforting chicken and zucchini bake fits a variety of dietary needs.

• Can I freeze this chicken and zucchini bake?

While you can freeze it, the texture of the zucchini may change slightly. If you do freeze it, be sure to thaw it completely before reheating.

• What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can use another hard cheese like Romano or Asiago. You could even use a shredded mozzarella cheese for a milder flavor.

For more inspiration, check out Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe – Posh Plate. You may also enjoy this Tuscan Chicken Zucchini Casserole (Cheesy One-Pan Dinner ….

My chicken and zucchini bake is more than just a recipe; it’s a symbol of creating comfort and connection in the midst of our cozy chaos. This chicken and zucchini bake supports my family’s comfort food goals because it’s satisfying, packed with veggies, and simple to throw together. It’s a win-win!

My chicken and zucchini bake Comfort Hacks:

• Pre-cut veggies: Saves time and effort.
• Greek yogurt instead of cream: Adds tang and protein.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before.

My son loves it with extra cheese, while my daughter prefers it with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. I encourage you to make it your own way, experimenting with different vegetables and seasonings until you find the perfect combination for your family’s taste. My family members love different versions of the chicken and zucchini casserole.

I hope this chicken and zucchini bake brings your family as much joy and comfort as it brings mine. Enjoy the process of creating something delicious and nourishing for the people you love. My wish is that this easy chicken zucchini bake recipe makes mealtime easier and more enjoyable for you.

For a Mediterranean twist, try this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake.

Give it a try! This satisfying chicken and zucchini bake will not disappoint! You might also like southwest chicken soup.