Description
This Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Recipe combines tender bite-sized chicken breast pieces with fresh zucchini and onions, all seasoned with a flavorful blend of garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Marinated in olive oil and spices, then baked to perfection at 425°F, this dish makes for a simple, healthy, and satisfying dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein 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 into smaller pieces
Marinade and Seasonings
- 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
- ¼ tsp freshly milled pepper or pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F to prepare for baking the chicken and vegetables.
- Make Marinade: In a large bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cumin, sea salt, and freshly milled pepper. Add the extra virgin olive oil and mix well until a marinade forms.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cut chicken pieces, chopped onion, and chopped zucchini to the marinade. Toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. For enhanced flavor, let the mixture marinate for 15 minutes or refrigerate up to 24 hours.
- Transfer and Bake: Transfer the marinated chicken and vegetables to a baking dish, spreading them out evenly. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven at 425°F for 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot. Pair with fluffy quinoa or buttery rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- This recipe is ideal for an easy, one-dish dinner that requires minimal cleanup.
- Marinating the chicken and vegetables for longer enhances flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
- Feel free to substitute zucchini with other vegetables like bell peppers or squash.
- Serve alongside grains such as quinoa or rice to make it a balanced meal.
- Use fresh spices if possible for more robust flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.5 cup
- Calories: 238 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 644 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 71 mg
