A Historical Overview
Casseroles and baked dishes have been staples of home cooking for centuries, known for their ability to combine simple ingredients into hearty, family-style meals. The chicken and zucchini pairing reflects Mediterranean roots, where fresh vegetables and lean proteins are often combined with herbs and olive oil for balanced nutrition. This modern high-protein bake takes inspiration from classic comfort food but lightens it up by using zucchini instead of heavy starches, making it perfect for today’s healthy, protein-focused lifestyles.
High Protein Chicken Zucchini Bake – Easy & Delicious Homemade Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This High Protein Chicken Zucchini Bake is warm, comforting, and packed with flavor. With tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and a golden cheesy topping, it’s the ultimate weeknight dinner that’s both wholesome and satisfying. Perfect for low-carb eaters, busy families, or meal-prep enthusiasts, this dish is proof that healthy food doesn’t have to be boring. Serve it fresh out of the oven for a cozy fall dinner or prep it ahead for easy weekday meals.
Ingredients
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1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
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2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
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1 tbsp olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
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2 tbsp grated Parmesan
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Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
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In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté chicken until lightly browned (5 minutes). Add garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
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Layer zucchini slices and browned chicken in the baking dish.
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Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
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Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and cheese is golden and bubbly.
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Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme before serving.
Notes
Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies.
Swap chicken with ground turkey or lean beef for variety.
For a lighter version, reduce cheese and add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.
FAQ – Common Questions
1. Can I freeze this chicken zucchini bake?
Yes! Bake it fully, let it cool, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat covered in the oven until hot.
2. What cheese works best in this recipe?
Mozzarella gives a melty, stretchy texture, while cheddar adds sharp flavor. A mix of both with Parmesan on top makes the dish extra delicious.
3. How can I make this dairy-free?
Simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast also adds a cheesy flavor without dairy.
