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Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe

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4.5 from 704 reviews

This Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake is a flavorful and wholesome one-pan meal featuring tender chunks of chicken, fresh zucchinis, and aromatic spices. Perfectly seasoned with smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, and garlic, this simple dish comes together quickly and is served over fluffy cooked rice for a comforting, nutritious dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Vegetables

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 medium zucchinis, diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, plus extra for garnish
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

Serving

  • 2 cups cooked rice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Dice the zucchinis and onion, and mince the garlic cloves to have all your ingredients ready for cooking.
  2. Sauté the aromatics and chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the chicken pieces, cooking until they are browned on all sides and nearly cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes.
  3. Add the vegetables and spices: Incorporate the diced zucchinis into the skillet with the chicken. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine the spices evenly with the chicken and vegetables.
  4. Simmer until cooked through: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let everything cook together for another 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchinis are tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
  5. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or parsley over the top along with a pinch of extra smoked paprika for garnish. Serve the chicken zucchini bake hot on a bed of 2 cups cooked rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute cilantro with fresh parsley if preferred.
  • For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
  • This dish can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • If you prefer, brown rice or cauliflower rice can be served alongside for a different texture or dietary preference.