Description
Savory chicken zucchini bake combines lean protein and garden-fresh vegetables in a comforting Mediterranean-style casserole. Crispy turkey bacon and melted cheese elevate this simple weeknight dinner, making it a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 6 strips turkey bacon, cooked, drained, and chopped
Vegetables:
- 1 zucchini, thinly sliced
Cheese and Seasoning:
- 0.5 ounces (14 grams) dry ranch seasoning (1/2 packet)
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare a casserole dish with a light coating of cooking spray, then heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) for optimal cooking.
- Layer chicken breasts across the bottom of the dish, creating a uniform base for the subsequent ingredients.
- Generously dust the Ranch seasoning over the chicken, ensuring complete and even coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
- Create a vibrant green layer by positioning zucchini slices directly atop the seasoned chicken, maintaining a consistent thickness.
- Distribute crispy turkey bacon fragments across the zucchini, adding a smoky and textural dimension to the dish.
- Combine Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then sprinkle the blended mixture uniformly over the bacon layer, creating a rich and creamy topping.
- Transfer the assembled dish to the preheated oven, cooking uncovered for approximately 20 minutes until the chicken reaches full doneness and the cheese transforms into a molten, golden blanket.
- For an enhanced presentation, activate the broiler for a brief 2-3 minute period to achieve a crisp, caramelized cheese surface.
- Allow the baked dish to rest and settle for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven, enabling flavors to harmonize and juices to redistribute before serving.
Notes
- Keep chicken breasts uniformly thin to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help Ranch mix adhere better and create a more flavorful coating.
- Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice zucchini consistently thin for even cooking and attractive presentation.
- Swap turkey bacon with regular bacon or vegetarian bacon alternatives to suit different dietary preferences.
- Choose low-fat cheese options to reduce overall calorie content without compromising taste.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme before baking for extra aromatic flavor complexity.
- Check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer for food safety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg