This Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake is a tasty mix of tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and crispy bacon all baked together. It’s packed with flavor and super comforting!
Trust me, the crispy bacon adds a fun crunch that makes this dish hard to resist. I love serving it with a side salad to keep things light and fresh!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep this dish light and easy. For a twist, try thighs for more flavor or even turkey cutlets if you need a substitute!
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini ties everything together and adds great texture. In a pinch, yellow squash or even eggplant could work as a nice substitute.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a ton of flavor to this recipe. Turkey bacon or even pancetta can be good alternatives if you’re watching your fat intake.
Cheese: I love using mozzarella for that stretchy quality. If you’re out, feel free to switch it with cheddar or a dairy-free cheese for a lighter option.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs brings flavor without effort. You can easily mix fresh herbs like basil and oregano if you have them on hand!
What’s the Best Way to Sear Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Searing the chicken adds flavor and keeps it juicy! Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a hot skillet so the chicken gets a nice brown crust.
- Add just a bit of olive oil to the skillet if there’s less bacon fat.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked; it will finish baking in the oven!
This method makes your chicken more flavorful and leads to a tasty bake.
Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake with Crispy Bacon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bake:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious chicken zucchini bake takes about 10 minutes of prep time and roughly 30 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll need around 40 minutes to have a gorgeous, hearty meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial as it helps the dish cook evenly.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. Once it’s done, place the bacon on paper towels to drain the excess grease. After it cools, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside. Make sure to leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan for flavor.
3. Season the Chicken:
Next, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This will add a great flavor base to your chicken.
4. Sear the Chicken:
In the same skillet with the leftover bacon fat, add a bit of olive oil if the pan looks dry. Sear the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked yet; they will finish cooking in the oven. Once done, remove them from heat.
5. Prepare the Baking Dish:
In a baking dish, arrange the sliced zucchini in an even layer at the bottom. This creates a delicious base for your chicken.
6. Add the Chicken:
Now, place the seared chicken breasts on top of the zucchini layer. Lay them out evenly so they cook nicely.
7. Add Garlic and Bacon:
Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over both the chicken and zucchini. Then, generously top everything with the crumbled bacon.
8. Cheese It Up:
Finish off by sprinkling the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the dish, ensuring everything is well-covered and ready to melt together in the oven.
9. Bake:
Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake it uncovered for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
10. Let It Rest:
Once baked, take the dish out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps all the flavors settle.
11. Serve:
If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Then, serve your warm and delicious chicken zucchini bake with crispy bacon!
Enjoy your meal! It’s a cozy dish everyone will love!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake with Crispy Bacon
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. A great way to thaw is by placing it in the fridge overnight or submerging it in a sealed plastic bag in cold water for quicker results.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep all the ingredients and assemble the bake, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What Should I Do With Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm it gently on the stovetop. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Bake?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms. Just chop them into similar sizes as the zucchini for even cooking. Adjust the baking time slightly if needed to ensure everything is tender!
