The first time I made this on a random Tuesday night, I was running late, hungry, and craving something warm but not heavy. I tossed together what I had chicken, a zucchini, and spices and 35 minutes later, dinner was done. Simple, flavorful, and no mess. This easy baked chicken and zucchini has been on repeat ever since.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini
This one-pan wonder checks all the boxes. It’s quick, it’s hearty, and it’s full of flavor. If you’re busy or just not in the mood to cook something complicated, this dish saves the day. It bakes in one dish, needs no fancy prep, and costs less than six bucks to feed four people.
It’s perfect for meal prep or a last-minute dinner. Plus, it’s naturally low-carb and full of protein and fiber.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll only need a few everyday ingredients, and the flavor payoff is big.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped into large pieces
- 1 zucchini, sliced vertically and chopped
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp freshly milled black pepper (or more if you like heat)
Optional Add-Ins
Want to mix it up? Try adding:
- Chopped bell peppers
- Sweet corn
- Sliced summer squash
- Frozen peas or diced carrots
- Cauliflower florets
This recipe is super customizable. Just keep your veggie pieces similar in size so they bake evenly.
For a flavorful twist, check out this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake.
Cost Breakdown
- Total cost: $5.90
- Cost per serving: $1.48
That’s cheaper than takeout, healthier, and ready faster than delivery.
ow to Make Baked Chicken and Zucchini (Step-by-Step)
- Here’s how to make it, even if you’re half-asleep or juggling dinner with homework help.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil with all the spices, salt, and pepper.
- Add your chopped chicken, onion, and zucchini. Toss everything well until coated.
- For deeper flavor, let it marinate for 15 minutes (or up to 24 hours in the fridge).
- Pour the mix into a glass baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until the chicken is golden and the veggies are tender.
- Serve hot over quinoa, rice, or your favorite grain.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Use a glass baking dish if you have one. It distributes heat evenly.
- Marinate ahead if you can. Even 15 minutes makes a difference.
- Chop everything evenly so it all cooks at the same pace.
- Don’t crowd the dish spread things out for better roasting.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve this straight from the oven with a scoop of rice or a fresh salad. It’s also amazing over quinoa or couscous.
To store:
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, use a 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes or microwave for a quick meal.
Defrost frozen portions overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a few hours.
Want something crunchy on the side? Pair it with Easy Zucchini Fritters or follow it up with Healthy Zucchini Oatmeal Cookies for a light dessert.
Recipe Variations to Try
- Swap chicken for ground turkey or tofu for a plant-based version.
- Try chili powder or Italian seasoning in place of cumin.
- Add a squeeze of lemon or sprinkle of parmesan before serving for extra flavor.
- Toss in grape tomatoes during the last 10 minutes of baking for juiciness.
For a summer vibe, try the Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn.
Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe Card (Full Recipe)
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Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini | Quick & Flavorful Dinner
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
An easy, one-pan baked chicken and zucchini dinner that’s full of bold spices and ready in 30 minutes. Great for busy nights or weekly meal prep.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-size pieces)
1 medium onion (chopped into large pieces)
1 zucchini (sliced vertically and chopped)
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
¼ tsp freshly milled black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix all spices with salt, pepper, and olive oil to form a marinade.
3. Add chicken, onion, and zucchini to the marinade and toss until fully coated.
4. (Optional) Marinate for 15 minutes to 24 hours for extra flavor.
5. Transfer mixture to a baking dish and bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
6. Serve hot with quinoa, rice, or salad.
Notes
You can add bell peppers, corn, carrots, or cauliflower for variety.
For best results, use a glass baking dish.
Marinating helps keep the chicken tender and flavorful.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 238
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 644mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 71mg
More Such Recipes
If you loved this, don’t miss:
- Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake for a flavorful twist
- Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn for added summer flavor
- Healthy Zucchini Oatmeal Cookies as a nutritious dessert pairing
- Easy Zucchini Fritters to complement your chicken dinner
FAQs
Is zucchini good with chicken?
Yes! Zucchini adds moisture and a mild sweetness that balances the spices in baked chicken.
Can you put raw chicken and vegetables together in the oven?
Absolutely. Just be sure everything reaches a safe internal temperature chicken should hit 165°F.
Should baked chicken be covered or uncovered in the oven?
Leave it uncovered. This helps it roast and caramelize instead of steam.
Is zucchini good for baking?
It is! Zucchini softens beautifully and holds up well in the oven without turning mushy.
Final Thoughts
This easy baked chicken and zucchini dinner keeps things simple but never boring. It’s fast, affordable, and makes you feel like you’ve got it all together even on the messiest days.
If you give it a try, leave a comment or share your version on Facebook or Pinterest. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you.