Description
This Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini recipe is a flavorful and healthy dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breast pieces are marinated with a blend of spices and extra virgin olive oil, combined with fresh onion and zucchini, then baked to perfection. The result is a savory, aromatic meal that pairs wonderfully with quinoa or rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped into large pieces
- 1 zucchini, sliced vertically into four large pieces, then chopped
Marinade
- 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 to taste
- ¼ tsp freshly ground pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F to ensure it’s hot enough for baking the chicken and vegetables evenly and quickly.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cumin, sea salt, freshly ground pepper, and extra virgin olive oil until well combined into a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Ingredients: Add the bite-sized chicken breast pieces, chopped onion, and zucchini into the bowl with the marinade. Toss everything thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, but you can marinate up to 24 hours to develop deeper flavor.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: After marinating, pour the mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent cooking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. This will cook the chicken through and tenderize the vegetables while infusing them with the spices.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the baked chicken and zucchini hot. It pairs deliciously with fluffy quinoa or buttery rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating for longer (up to 24 hours) enhances the flavors significantly.
- Ensure the chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes if desired.
- Check chicken doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
