Easy Italian Chicken and Zucchini Bake Recipe
This Easy Italian Chicken and Zucchini Bake is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender sautéed zucchini, cooked chicken breast, and a rich marinara sauce, all topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then baked to bubbly perfection. It offers a comforting Italian-inspired meal with minimal prep and cooking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bake:
- 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
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking once the prep is complete.
- Sauté the Garlic and Zucchini: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add sliced zucchini and cook for 4-5 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Season with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Remove from heat.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed zucchini, marinara sauce, and remaining Italian seasoning. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
- Assemble the Bake: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the mixture into it, spreading evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses on top.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired, then serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Use fresh zucchini for the best texture; avoid overcooking to keep a slight crunch.
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic and zucchini.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Keywords: Italian chicken bake, zucchini chicken casserole, easy chicken dinner, baked chicken and vegetables, healthy chicken bake
