Ingredients for High Protein Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Our high protein essential, providing lean, tender bites. Always pat dry for better searing and flavor development.
• Medium zucchini: Adds freshness and a healthy vegetable base to this bake. Don’t overcook, or it can become watery.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates a melty, cheesy topping and binds ingredients together beautifully. Freshly shred for superior melt.
• Extra virgin olive oil: The foundation for sautéing aromatics, adding a rich, healthy fat. Use extra virgin for best flavor.
• Canned diced tomatoes: Provides the juicy, slightly acidic sauce base for the chicken and zucchini. Look for no-salt-added varieties.
• Medium yellow onion: Offers a sweet, aromatic depth essential for the flavor profile. Sauté until translucent for optimal taste.
• Garlic cloves: Pungent and aromatic, crucial for building robust flavor. Mince fresh for the most impactful garlic punch.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture and savory depth to the sauce, preventing dryness. Choose low-sodium to control overall saltiness.
• Medium red bell pepper: Contributes vibrant color and a touch of sweetness, enhancing the vegetable medley. Dice finely for even cooking.
• Dried Italian seasoning: A classic blend of herbs, bringing warmth and authentic flavor. Crush lightly in your palm before adding.
• Kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all flavors and balancing the dish. Adjust to taste, always starting with less.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a sharp, pungent kick that complements the other spices. Grind just before using for maximum aroma.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: A vibrant, fresh garnish that brightens the final dish. Add just before serving for best color and flavor.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, umami finish to the top of this high protein easy chicken zucchini bake. Freshly grate for superior flavor and melt.

How to Make High Protein Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake

Prep Veggies:

Start by dicing your onion and red bell pepper, mincing the garlic, and slicing zucchini into half-moons. Cube the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. This prep makes the High Protein Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake come together smoothly.

Sauté Aromatics:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Don’t rush this step for maximum flavor.

Simmer Sauce:

Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add the cubed chicken. Cook for 5 minutes, ensuring the chicken is partially cooked through. This builds the flavorful base for our High Protein Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake.

Bake Zucchini:

Transfer the chicken mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the zucchini slices evenly over the top. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, allowing the zucchini to soften beautifully.

Add Cheese:

Remove the foil and sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese. Return the High Protein Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake to the oven, uncovered, for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Watch for that perfect melt!

Garnish Serve:

Let the bake rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. This comforting High Protein Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake is now ready to be enjoyed!

How to Store High Protein Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake

To properly 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. Forgetting to seal it properly will dry it out – don’t do what I did and leave it uncovered! Watch for any off smells or mold as signs of spoilage.

You can prep the chicken and sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the bake just before you plan to cook it, adding the zucchini fresh for the best texture. For best reheating, cover loosely with foil. A single layer helps it warm evenly.

What to Serve with High Protein Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake

This High Protein Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake is perfect served warm, straight from the oven, allowing the melted cheese and tender chicken to shine. For a comforting family dinner, serve it simply as is. To make it special for guests, pair with a crisp green salad or some warm, crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. It’s a fantastic main course everyone will enjoy.

I personally love to serve this bake with a side of fluffy quinoa or brown rice. It’s the perfect way to make it an even more complete and satisfying meal, adding another layer of texture and making it incredibly filling and delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

To prevent watery zucchini, don’t overbake it! Zucchini releases moisture when cooked, so baking covered for 15 minutes at 375°F is perfect. My first attempt was a watery mess because I left it too long. Watch for tender-crisp.

→ Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts in this High Protein Chicken Zucchini Bake?

Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They tend to be more forgiving and stay juicier, which is great! Just ensure they are cut into 1-inch cubes like the breasts for even cooking. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed for doneness.

→ Can I freeze this High Protein Chicken Zucchini Bake for later meal prep?

Freezing the assembled bake with zucchini isn’t recommended, as zucchini turns mushy when thawed. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce mixture for up to 3 months. Thaw, then add fresh zucchini before baking for the best texture.

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

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. I learned the hard way that leaving it uncovered dries it out completely. Make sure to seal it properly to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

→ Can I make this High Protein Chicken Zucchini Bake recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this High Protein Chicken Zucchini Bake is naturally gluten-free! All ingredients listed, like chicken, zucchini, diced tomatoes, and cheese, are typically gluten-free. Always double-check labels on broth and seasonings to ensure no hidden gluten, as brands vary.