Description
One-pan Chicken Zucchini Bake with tender chicken, soft roasted zucchini, savory paprika, a light sauce, and melted cheese.
Ingredients
4 medium zucchini, diced
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
Kosher salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp smoked or sweet paprika, divided
1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 large sweet onion, diced
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss zucchini, onion, 1 tbsp olive oil, half of the paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until coated. Spread into a baking dish.
3. In a separate bowl, coat chicken pieces with remaining paprika, salt, pepper, and cornstarch.
4. Heat remaining 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 3 to 4 minutes until lightly browned but not fully cooked.
5. Add chicken broth to the skillet and scrape up any browned bits.
6. Pour the chicken and broth over the zucchini mixture in the baking dish.
7. Top with Monterey Jack and Parmesan cheese and cover tightly with foil.
8. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, stir, and continue baking uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until lightly golden and fully cooked.
9. Stir before serving and let rest briefly before eating.
Notes
Other vegetables can be used, including bell peppers, broccoli, green beans, or mushrooms.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs can replace chicken breasts but may require a longer cooking time.
Zucchini does not need to be pre-cooked.
Any preferred melting cheese can be substituted.
Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth.
Cut chicken into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.
Allow the casserole to rest about 5 minutes after baking so the sauce thickens slightly.
Season vegetables and chicken separately for better flavor distribution.
Cornstarch helps naturally thicken the sauce and is recommended.
Avoid overbaking to keep the chicken tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 296
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 403 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.01 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 82 mg
