This Easy Chicken Zucchini Bacon Bake is a winner for dinner! It’s a tasty mix of juicy chicken, fresh zucchini, and crispy bacon baked to perfection.
What’s not to love about bacon? It adds a yummy crunch to this dish! I like to serve it with a side salad for a light meal that feels special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this bake. If you prefer dark meat, boneless thighs work well too, adding a bit more flavor.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds moisture and texture. If zucchini isn’t available, yellow squash is a beautiful substitute, or even eggplant can work.
Bacon: I love using regular bacon for its rich flavor, but turkey bacon is a healthier choice if you’re trying to cut down on fat.
Cheese: Cheddar provides a rich flavor. However, feel free to mix it up! Mozzarella or Monterey Jack are nice alternatives if you want a milder taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best, but if you only have garlic powder, use about 1/4 teaspoon instead.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken Is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken to the right temperature is key for a juicy result. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that your chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Here’s how to ensure it’s perfect:
- For even cooking, try to use chicken breasts of similar size.
- Place the chicken in the baking dish and don’t overcrowd it.
- Check the center of the thickest part of the chicken for doneness.
This method also prevents dryness. And if you find the top browning too quickly, cover it with foil for the last few minutes of baking.
Easy Chicken Zucchini Bacon Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bake:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thick rounds
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to bake, totaling roughly 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a busy evening!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Season the Chicken
Take the chicken breasts and season them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides. This step adds flavor right to the meat!
3. Cook the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are about halfway crispy. They should still be pliable since they will crisp up more in the oven. Once done, remove them and set aside on paper towels to drain excess grease.
4. Sauté the Zucchini
In the same skillet, add the zucchini slices. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they’re slightly softened. Then, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
5. Add Garlic
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté it briefly until it’s fragrant—this should only take about 30 seconds.
6. Layer the Ingredients
Now, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the lightly greased baking dish. Layer the sautéed zucchini evenly over the chicken.
7. Crumble and Add Bacon
Take the cooked bacon and crumble it over the zucchini layer, spreading it out evenly for that delicious bacon flavor.
8. Cheese It Up
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly on top of the chicken and zucchini mixture. This will melt beautifully in the oven.
9. Drizzle with Olive Oil
For added moisture, drizzle a little olive oil over everything. This helps keep the chicken juicy!
10. Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. Make sure the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and you should see the cheese bubbling!
11. Serve and Garnish
Once done, take the bake out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil before serving. Enjoy your flavorful and hearty Easy Chicken Zucchini Bacon Bake!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Zucchini Bacon Bake
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s important to fully thaw it first. Thaw chicken overnight in the refrigerator or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. After thawing, pat it dry with paper towels to help achieve a nice sear and maintain moisture.
What If I Don’t Have Zucchini?
No worries! If zucchini isn’t available, yellow squash or even eggplant can serve as delicious alternatives. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as different vegetables may vary in tenderness.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in the oven at a low temperature or microwave it gently until warmed through to keep the chicken moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to adjust the baking time, as it may take a little longer to cook if it’s cold from the fridge. Enjoy this easy meal prep option!
