This Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake is a tasty and hearty dish! With juicy chicken, fresh zucchini, and crispy bacon, it’s a meal that pleases everyone at the table.
You can’t go wrong with that crunchy bacon topping—it adds the perfect crispy touch! I love making this dish on busy nights, as it’s super simple and always hits the spot.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless breast is perfect for this dish, as it becomes juicy and tender when baked. If you prefer, you can use thighs for more flavor.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini gives texture and balance in this bake. If zucchini isn’t available, you can use yellow squash or even eggplant as alternatives.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a crunchy topping and rich flavor. For a healthier option, turkey bacon can be used, or omit it for a vegetarian version and season to taste.
Cheeses: Mozzarella provides gooeyness, while Parmesan adds saltiness. If you’re out of mozzarella, any melting cheese, like cheddar or Monterey Jack, will work just fine!
Heavy Cream: This creates a creamy sauce that binds everything together. You can replace it with half-and-half for a lighter version or use coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Cooked Chicken and Zucchini?
The key to getting tender chicken and perfectly cooked zucchini is all in the prep! First, you sear the chicken which adds flavor and helps keep the meat moist.
- Make sure to heat your skillet well before adding oil and chicken. This keeps the chicken from sticking.
- Slicing zucchini thinly helps it cook faster and evenly, so it becomes tender without turning mushy.
- Keep an eye on the bake—once the cheese is bubbling and golden, it means everything is perfectly cooked.
- Let it rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. This allows the juices to settle and makes serving easier!
Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake with Crispy Bacon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bake:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake, totaling around 40 minutes. It’s a quick and easy dinner that’s perfect for busy evenings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that it is hot enough when the bake goes in, leading to perfectly cooked chicken and bubbling cheese! Grease a baking dish lightly with olive oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for a flavorful kick.
3. Sear the Chicken:
In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Sear the seasoned chicken breasts for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are lightly golden brown. They don’t need to be fully cooked, as they will finish cooking in the oven. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Layer the Zucchini:
Now, take the thinly sliced zucchini and arrange them in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will create a delicious base for your bake.
5. Add the Chicken:
Place the seared chicken breasts over the layer of zucchini, ensuring they are spread out evenly across the dish.
6. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the heavy cream with minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well and pour this creamy mixture evenly over the chicken and zucchini layers. It will create a luscious sauce as it bakes!
7. Cheese it Up:
Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken, ensuring to cover it well. This will give you that melty, gooey topping we all love!
8. Add the Bacon:
Top off with the crumbled crispy bacon, adding the perfect crunch and flavor contrast.
9. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for the chicken to be cooked through (checking it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the cheese to be melted and bubbly with a beautiful golden color on top.
10. Rest and Garnish:
Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to settle. For that lovely finishing touch, garnish with chopped fresh chives or parsley if you like!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake and enjoy this comforting dish packed with flavors from tender chicken, fresh zucchini, creamy sauce, and crispy bacon! It’s bound to become a family favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Substitute the Chicken with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use boneless, skinless turkey breasts or thighs for a different flavor. You can even try this recipe with pork chops or seared tofu for a vegetarian version—just adjust the cooking time as needed.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free alternative, try using coconut cream or cashew cream, which will still give a rich and creamy texture to the dish.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover Chicken Zucchini Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through. You may want to add a splash of cream or broth while reheating to revive the creaminess!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble everything a day in advance—just cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to cook, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking, and then follow the baking instructions as usual.
