This tasty chicken zucchini bake is a wonderful mix of juicy chicken, fresh zucchini, and crispy bacon. It’s baked to perfection, making it a warm and comforting dish!
You can’t go wrong with crispy bacon, right? I love how this bake is super easy to make, just throw the ingredients together and let the oven do the rest. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best here for even cooking. If you prefer, you can substitute them with chicken thighs for a juicier option or use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds a nice texture and flavor. You can substitute with yellow squash or even eggplant if you want a change.
Bacon: I absolutely love using crispy bacon for its smoky flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon is a great substitute or you can even skip it entirely for a veggie dish.
Cream: Heavy cream gives richness to the bake. If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or even Greek yogurt for creaminess without so many calories.
Cheeses: The mozzarella cheese is key for that gooey texture. You can swap it with provolone or Gouda. The cheddar adds extra flavor—feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses!
How to Ensure Your Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but keeping an eye on the temperature is key! Here’s how I ensure my chicken turns out tender and juicy:
- Use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken; it should register 165°F (74°C).
- Don’t overcook! Keeping the bake uncovered helps achieve that golden cheese topping while cooking the chicken properly.
- Let it rest after baking! This allows the juices to redistribute, making it more juicy when you slice in.
By following these tips, you’ll have a deliciously creamy chicken zucchini bake every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake with Crispy Bacon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bake:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for greasing the baking dish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty chicken zucchini bake will take about 10 minutes for prep and 30 minutes for baking. In total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and satisfying dish for any family dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Season the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and season them generously with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Make sure to coat all sides for the best flavor!
3. Arrange in the Dish:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the greased baking dish. They should fit snugly but not overlap.
4. Layer the Zucchini:
Now, evenly layer the thinly sliced zucchini on top and around the chicken. This adds a fresh and vibrant element to the dish!
5. Mix the Cream:
In a small bowl, mix together the heavy cream, minced garlic, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Pour this creamy goodness evenly over the chicken and zucchini.
6. Add the Bacon:
Sprinkle the crispy chopped bacon over the top of everything. This is where the magic happens with added flavor!
7. Top with Cheese:
Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top. Who doesn’t love a cheesy layer?
8. Bake Away:
Pop the dish into the oven (uncovered) and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. You want the chicken to be fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.
9. Broil for Extra Browning:
If you desire an extra crispy top, switch your oven to broil for 2-3 minutes after baking. Keep a close eye on it—you want it golden, not burnt!
10. Rest and Garnish:
Once it’s done, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the dish settle. Finally, garnish with fresh chopped chives or parsley for a lovely touch.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Dig in! Serve the creamy, cheesy chicken zucchini bake hot from the oven. It’s comforting and absolutely delicious—perfect for family dinners!
This recipe truly yields a mouthwatering casserole packed with flavor, wonderful textures from the crisp bacon, tender chicken, and fresh zucchini slices. Enjoy your creation!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Bake?
Absolutely! Besides zucchini, you could add bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach for more color and nutrition. Just ensure that the vegetables you choose have similar cooking times to zucchini for even baking.
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm it gently in the oven until heated through. You may want to cover it with foil to keep the cheese from burning.
Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the dish a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if you’re starting with a cold dish.
What Can I Serve with This Dish?
This chicken zucchini bake makes a great all-in-one meal, but you can serve it with a side salad, crusty bread, or some steamed vegetables for a well-rounded dinner!
