Description
This Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini recipe is a quick and healthy meal perfect for weeknights. Juicy chicken pieces are seasoned with aromatic spices and roasted alongside tender zucchini and onions for a flavorful, oven-baked dish. It’s simple to prepare, customizable, and pairs beautifully with grains like quinoa or rice for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Proteins
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped into large pieces
- 1 zucchini, sliced vertically into four large pieces then chopped into smaller pieces
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp sea salt (or salt to taste)
- 1/4 tsp freshly milled pepper (or pepper to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 425°F (220°C) and allow it to fully preheat to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, combine the spices (garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, cumin), salt, and pepper. Add the olive oil and mix thoroughly until a marinade forms.
- Add ingredients to marinade: Place the chicken, onion, and zucchini into the bowl with the marinade. Toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated and seasoned. For optimal flavor, marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
- Transfer to baking dish: Spread the marinated chicken and vegetables evenly in a baking dish, making sure they are not overcrowded.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake uncovered at 425°F (220°C) for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden, and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, serve hot, and enjoy with a side of fluffy quinoa or buttery rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can customize the spices to suit your taste, adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional flavor.
- This dish can also be cooked on a grill or broiled for different textures.
- For added crunch, sprinkle with grated cheese or chopped fresh herbs before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
