Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken Zucchini Bake
This creamy garlic herb chicken zucchini bake is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken and zucchini are bathed in a rich, cheesy sauce with aromatic herbs.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- Foil
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2-3 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons or diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (or 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend)
Seasoning & Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Pinch red pepper flakes optional
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish, optional
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Toss chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano, then sear in a large skillet until lightly browned and set aside.
- Sauté chopped onion in the same skillet with the remaining olive oil until softened, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add zucchini to the skillet and sauté for 3-5 minutes until it begins to soften, then stir in diced tomatoes and chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat, stir in softened cream cheese or Greek yogurt until smooth, then add dried basil and optional red pepper flakes.
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, mix everything, and transfer the entire mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the chicken and zucchini mixture in the baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes; then remove foil, add remaining cheese, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
For best results, ensure the chicken is patted dry before searing to achieve a nice brown crust. If using Greek yogurt, be sure to use plain, unsweetened yogurt to avoid altering the flavor profile. This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked later, making it convenient for meal prepping. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.