This Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake brings together tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and crispy bacon in a warm, tasty dish. It’s super easy to make and will fill your home with yummy smells!
The best part? That crispy bacon on top! It’s a perfect crunch that makes this dish feel special. Trust me, everyone will want seconds—or at least a little more of that bacon! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to work with and cook well. If you need a substitution, consider using chicken thighs for more flavor, or even tofu for a vegetarian option!
Zucchini: Fresh zucchinis add a nice texture. If they’re not in season or you prefer something different, try yellow squash or even sliced bell peppers.
Bacon: Crispy bacon brings lots of flavors! If you want a healthier twist, turkey bacon works too. You can also skip it altogether for a lighter version.
Sour Cream: I like using sour cream for creaminess. However, Greek yogurt is a perfect swap if you want something a bit lighter with protein. Just ensure it’s plain yogurt!
How to Cook Bacon Perfectly for Your Bake?
Getting that bacon crispy is super important for this dish’s texture. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Start with a cold skillet. This helps render the fat and gives even cooking.
- Cook over medium heat and keep an eye on it, flipping occasionally until it’s crispy. It usually takes about 7-10 minutes.
- Once crispy, place the bacon on paper towels to absorb excess fat. This keeps it crunchy!
With these tips, you’ll have the best chicken zucchini bake every time.
Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake With Crispy Bacon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
For Seasoning and Cooking:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at roughly 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking!
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are nice and crispy. Once done, take them out and let them drain on paper towels. Remember to save about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the skillet for flavor!
3. Season the Chicken:
While your bacon cools, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and half of the dried Italian seasoning. This adds a lovely flavor base for your dish!
4. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same skillet with the reserved bacon fat, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they are soft and fragrant—this makes everything extra delicious!
5. Add Zucchini:
Now, toss the sliced zucchinis into the skillet. Sauté them for about 5-6 minutes until they start softening. Sprinkle in the remaining Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste!
6. Mix the Cheese Combo:
In a bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese until well combined. This will be a creamy, cheesy layer!
7. Assemble the Bake:
Lay the seasoned chicken breasts in your prepared baking dish. Spread the sautéed zucchini, onion, and garlic over and around the chicken evenly.
8. Add Cheese Mixture:
Now spoon the creamy cheese mixture over the zucchini and chicken, making sure everything is nicely covered.
9. Top with Cheese and Bacon:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top, and don’t forget to add the crumbled crispy bacon. More cheese = more happiness, right?
10. Bake:
Pop the dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. It’s done when the chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C) and the cheese is deliciously bubbly and golden!
11. Rest and Garnish:
Take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps it set a bit before serving. Add some chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for a lovely garnish!
12. Serve and Enjoy!
Dish it up warm and enjoy your hearty, flavorful chicken zucchini bake with crispy bacon! It’s a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any night of the week!
FAQs About Easy Chicken Zucchini Bake With Crispy Bacon
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! However, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thawing overnight in the fridge is the safest option. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave’s defrost setting, but be sure to cook it immediately after.
What Can I Substitute for Bacon?
If you’d like to make this dish healthier, turkey bacon is a great alternative! You can also use chopped mushrooms or smoked turkey for a vegetarian option that still adds depth of flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or oven. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of chicken broth or a drizzle of olive oil while reheating!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare all the components, assemble the dish, and cover it tightly. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge!
