The Ultimate High Protein Chicken Zucchini Bake: Your New Favorite!

Ingredients for High Protein Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes: The essential high-protein star of this bake, keeping you full and satisfied. Choose organic for best flavor and texture.
• Medium zucchini, trimmed and sliced into half-moons: Provides freshness and tender texture, balancing the rich chicken. Don’t overcook to avoid a watery dish.
• Medium yellow onion, diced: A foundational aromatic, building a sweet and savory base for the entire dish. Sauté until translucent for optimal flavor.
• Red bell pepper, diced: Adds a touch of sweetness, vibrant color, and another layer of vegetable goodness. Dice evenly for consistent cooking in this easy bake.
• Garlic, minced: Infuses the bake with pungent, aromatic flavor, a must-have for any savory dish. Freshly minced makes a noticeable difference.
• Olive oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and chicken, building the initial flavor layers. Extra virgin offers robust flavor to the High Protein Chicken Zucchini Bake.
• Crushed tomatoes: Forms the rich, tangy sauce base that coats everything beautifully. Look for good quality, plain crushed tomatoes for best results.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture and a savory depth of flavor to the sauce base. Use low-sodium to control overall saltiness in the recipe.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a delicious, gooey layer, adding richness and binding the bake together. Freshly shredded melts best.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top, it adds a salty, umami kick and golden crust. Freshly grated is incredibly flavorful and enhances the bake.
• Dried oregano: Brings classic Mediterranean warmth and earthiness, complementing the chicken and tomato sauce. Rub between your palms to release flavor.
• Sea salt (or to taste): Essential for enhancing all the flavors, bringing out the best in every ingredient. Adjust to your personal preference.
• Black pepper (or to taste): Adds a subtle warmth and peppery kick, completing the seasoning profile. Freshly ground is always superior.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: A vibrant finishing touch, adding fresh herbaceousness and a pop of color. Stir in right before serving for maximum impact.

How to Make High Protein Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe

Prep Ingredients:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cube chicken, slice zucchini, dice onion and bell pepper, and mince garlic. This prep ensures a smooth cooking process for your High Protein Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe.

Brown Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken cubes and brown them for 5-7 minutes until lightly golden. Don’t crowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.

Sauté Vegetables:

Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet, cooking for 3-5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic for one minute until fragrant. This builds a robust flavor base for the dish.

Simmer Sauce:

Stir in the sliced zucchini, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes. The zucchini should begin to soften slightly.

Assemble & Bake:

Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown. This finishes your High Protein Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe.

Garnish & Serve:

Remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve this comforting High Protein Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe warm for a delightful meal.

How to Store High Protein Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe

To store your High Protein Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Leaving it out too long can compromise food safety – don’t do what I did and forget it on the counter! Discard if you notice any off smells or mold.

You can prep the chicken and chop all vegetables a day in advance, storing them separately in the fridge. Assemble and bake the dish fresh for optimal texture and flavor when you plan to serve.

For easy reheating, portion into individual containers. Warm gently in the microwave or oven until heated through.

What to Serve with High Protein Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe

This High Protein Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake is perfect to serve warm, straight from the oven! Garnish with extra fresh parsley or basil for a beautiful touch. You can enjoy this comforting dish on its own, or pair it with a crisp green salad and some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. It’s a wonderful meal for any occasion.

My favorite way to enjoy this bake is paired with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The crisp freshness perfectly balances the rich, comforting flavors, making for a truly satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long can I store leftover High Protein Chicken Zucchini Bake in the refrigerator?

You can store leftovers of your High Protein Chicken Zucchini Bake in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. I’ve definitely forgotten it on the counter, so transfer promptly! Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

→ Can I make this High Protein Chicken Zucchini Bake ahead or freeze it for later?

You can prep veggies and chicken a day ahead, storing separately. Freezing the assembled bake is possible, but zucchini might become watery upon reheating. For best results, bake fresh and enjoy.

→ Can I substitute ground chicken or turkey for the chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken or turkey. Brown it thoroughly, breaking it up as it cooks, before adding the vegetables. The texture will be different, but the flavor will still be delicious.

→ How do I prevent watery zucchini in my High Protein Chicken Zucchini Bake?

To prevent watery zucchini, don’t overcook it in the simmer stage; it should only soften slightly. You can also roast zucchini separately beforehand, as suggested in the Pro Tips, for deeper flavor and less moisture.

→ Can I make this recipe dairy-free or use different cheeses?

Yes, to make it dairy-free, omit the mozzarella and Parmesan. The bake will still be flavorful without them. Feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like provolone or cheddar if you prefer.