Easy Italian Chicken Zucchini Bake (Print-Friendly Version)

Juicy chicken, tender zucchini, and melty cheeses combine for a comforting Italian-inspired one-dish dinner.

# What You’ll Need to Make This:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 700 g cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
02 - 3 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
03 - 480 ml marinara or Italian tomato sauce

→ Cheese

04 - 170 g shredded mozzarella cheese
05 - 45 g grated Parmesan cheese

→ Aromatics & Seasoning

06 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
10 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Garnish (optional)

11 - Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

# How to Prepare:

01 - Preheat oven to 190°C.
02 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
03 - Add sliced zucchini to the skillet. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly tender yet crisp. Season with salt, pepper, and half of the dried Italian seasoning.
04 - In a large bowl, mix cooked chicken, sautéed zucchini mixture, and marinara sauce. Season further with salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as desired.
05 - Lightly grease a baking dish. Spread half the chicken and zucchini mixture evenly onto the base. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
06 - Spoon remaining chicken and zucchini mixture over the first layer. Top evenly with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
07 - Place dish in the oven. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until cheese is melted and golden brown.
08 - Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to facilitate settling.
09 - Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil if desired. Serve immediately, either as a standalone dish or with bread or salad.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Zucchini should remain slightly crisp after sautéing to prevent excess moisture during baking.
02 - Taste and adjust seasoning before layering for optimal flavor.