Description
How to make a high protein easy chicken zucchini bake with tender chicken and fresh zucchini that delivers over 30g of protein and is ready in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
- Base & Main Components:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 medium zucchini, trimmed and sliced into 1/2-inch half-moons
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture, part-skim)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- Flavor Builders:
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- Seasonings & Spices:
- 1.5 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Finishing & Toppings:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- 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!
Notes
Use low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella to avoid a greasy bake and ensure a perfect golden-brown melt.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts; they offer a juicier, more forgiving alternative.
Serve warm with fluffy quinoa or brown rice for a complete, satisfying meal, making it incredibly filling.
Prep the chicken and sauce mixture two days ahead; it perfectly streamlines busy weeknight cooking for maximum efficiency.
**Allergy Information:** Dairy