Description
This Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini recipe is a simple, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breast with fresh vegetables and a blend of aromatic spices. Marinated in a savory olive oil-based mixture and baked to perfection, this healthy and colorful meal is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Serve it alongside quinoa or rice for a satisfying and wholesome dinner.
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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Prepare 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 to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate Ingredients: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, chopped onion, and zucchini to the marinade. Toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly. For best results, let the mixture marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, or up to 24 hours for intensified flavor.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Move the marinated chicken and vegetables into a baking dish, spreading them out to allow even cooking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot, complemented by fluffy quinoa or buttery rice to complete your meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken and vegetables longer will deepen the flavors, but 15 minutes is sufficient if you’re short on time.
- You can substitute zucchini with yellow squash or bell peppers for variety.
- Adjust spices according to your taste preference for more heat or smokiness.
- Ensure chicken pieces are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
