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Baked Chicken with Zucchini

Baked Chicken with Zucchini

Baked Chicken with Zucchini is a wholesome, delicious, and easy-to-prepare meal combining tender, juicy chicken breasts with fresh zucchini. This one-pan dish is healthy, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, delivering savory comfort with minimal effort and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Vegetables

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 medium fresh zucchinis, sliced into thick rounds or half-moons

Marinade and Seasonings

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or oregano), chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms, rinse and dry the zucchini, then slice it into thick rounds or half-moons depending on your preference.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, toss chicken breasts with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and your choice of fresh herbs. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to soak in the flavor.
  3. Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the marinated chicken breasts in a single layer on a baking dish. Surround the chicken with the zucchini slices, ensuring everything is evenly spaced for optimal cooking.
  4. Bake Until Perfect: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and zucchini is tender but not mushy.
  5. Rest and Serve: Let the baked chicken with zucchini rest for 5 minutes out of the oven to retain juices, then garnish with extra fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon before serving.

Notes

  • Slice zucchini uniformly to ensure even cooking alongside the chicken.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for perfect doneness.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan to allow roasting instead of steaming.
  • Let chicken rest at room temperature before baking for consistent cooking.
  • Rest the meat after baking to lock in juices and maximize tenderness.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken, zucchini, healthy dinner, one-pan meal, easy chicken recipe, gluten-free chicken