Name: Easy Italian Chicken and Zucchini Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489421H45M57S
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 medium zucchinis, sliced; 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded; 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe

This Easy Italian Chicken and Zucchini Bake is a flavorful, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and melted cheese in a savory marinara sauce, it’s simple to prepare yet satisfying to eat.

A baked dish in a silver rectangular foil container showing multiple layers, the bottom layer has green zucchini and yellow squash slices arranged in a slightly overlapping pattern, topped with a thick layer of melted golden brown cheese with bubbly, crispy spots and sprinkled with small green herb pieces scattered on the top for garnish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 medium zucchinis, sliced
2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add sliced zucchini, season with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning, and cook for 4-5 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Remove from heat.
Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed zucchini, marinara sauce, and the remaining Italian seasoning. Mix well until evenly combined.
Step 4: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
Step 5: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Step 6: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired, then serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a lower-carb version, substitute marinara sauce with a homemade tomato sauce without added sugar.
Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers with the zucchini for extra veggies.
Use cooked turkey or rotisserie chicken as a shortcut.
Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking for a spicy kick.
Fresh herbs like oregano or thyme can enhance the flavor if Italian seasoning isn’t available.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through, to keep the cheese melty and texture close to fresh.

How to Serve

A baked dish in a white foil tray shows a top layer of melted, browned cheese with green herbs sprinkled all over. Below this top layer, slices of zucchini and chunks of chicken are visible, partially covered by the cheese, creating a mix of white, green, and golden brown colors with a slightly bubbly and crispy texture on the surface. The tray is placed on a white marbled texture background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh zucchini to avoid excess moisture in the bake. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry thoroughly before cooking.

Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bake a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated before baking. Just bake it fresh before serving for the best texture and flavor.