Description
This easy baked chicken and zucchini recipe offers a flavorful and healthy meal featuring tender chicken breast pieces and fresh zucchini, marinated with aromatic spices and baked to perfection. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish balances bold smoky and herbal notes with the wholesome texture of roasted vegetables.
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 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 to taste
- ¼ tsp freshly ground pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the chicken and vegetables evenly and to lock in flavors.
- Prepare the marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cumin, sea salt, freshly ground pepper, and extra virgin olive oil to create a well-blended, aromatic marinade.
- Marinate the ingredients: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, chopped onion, and chopped zucchini into the marinade bowl. Toss everything thoroughly to coat all pieces in the spice mixture. For best results, cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 24 hours to intensify the flavors.
- Transfer to baking dish: Spread the marinated chicken and vegetables evenly in a baking dish to ensure uniform cooking and browning.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender with a slight caramelized edge.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot alongside fluffy quinoa or buttery rice to make a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Marinating for longer (up to 24 hours) will deepen the flavor but a minimum of 15 minutes is sufficient for a tasty dish.
- Make sure the chicken pieces are uniformly sized to ensure even cooking.
- To keep the dish low-carb, serve with cauliflower rice or a green salad instead of quinoa or rice.
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for variety.
- Adjust salt and spices according to your taste preference and dietary needs.
