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- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese The main ingredients for this chicken zucchini bake are fresh and simple. Zucchini adds moisture and a nice texture. Chicken is your protein star, making this dish filling. The cheeses bring creaminess and flavor, with each adding its unique touch. - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Seasonings make the dish pop. Garlic gives a rich aroma that fills your kitchen. Oregano adds an earthy flavor, while paprika gives a warm color and mild spice. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors and tie everything together. - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh parsley for garnish Olive oil helps to sauté the garlic and chicken evenly. It adds healthy fat and flavor. Fresh parsley is optional but brightens up your dish, making it look fresh and inviting. You can sprinkle it on right before serving to impress your guests. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). - Slice the zucchinis into thin rounds. - Dice the chicken into small pieces. - In a large skillet, add the olive oil. - Heat over medium heat and sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes. - Next, add the diced chicken. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika. - Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. - In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the zucchini rounds on the bottom. - Spread the cooked chicken evenly over the zucchini layer. - In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. - Spread this cheese mixture over the chicken layer. - Top with the remaining zucchini slices, then add the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan. - Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes. - Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. - Look for bubbly and slightly golden cheese. - Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. - To keep chicken juicy, use boneless and skinless breast. - Cook at medium heat to avoid drying out the meat. - Season the chicken well with salt and pepper before cooking. - Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes for better flavor. - Slice zucchini into thin rounds for even cooking. - Use a sharp knife for clean, straight cuts. - If you can't find zucchini, try yellow squash or eggplant. - Both alternatives will work well in this dish. - Use low-fat mozzarella for a lighter option. - Parmesan adds a nice, salty flavor to the dish. - Store leftover cheese in an airtight container. - Keep cheese in the fridge to maintain freshness. Pro Tips Use Fresh Zucchini: Fresh zucchini will provide the best flavor and texture. Look for firm zucchini with a vibrant color and avoid any that are soft or have blemishes. Adjust Cheese to Taste: Feel free to modify the types and amounts of cheese used. Adding a bit of cheddar or feta can give a unique twist to the dish. Make it Ahead: This dish can be assembled a day in advance. Just cover it and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake it. Garnish for Flavor: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the overall flavor. Consider adding other herbs like basil or thyme for a different profile. {{image_2}} You can easily swap chicken for turkey in this bake. Turkey offers a similar taste and texture. It also adds extra protein to your meal. If you want a vegetarian option, try using chickpeas or lentils. They are rich in protein and add great flavor. To change the taste, add spices like cumin or chili powder. These spices can bring out new flavors in the dish. You can also mix in other vegetables. Consider bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. They add color and nutrients. This chicken zucchini bake pairs well with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with lemon dressing is great. You could also serve it with whole-grain bread for a filling meal. For presentation, garnish with fresh parsley. It adds a pop of color and a fresh taste. To store your High-Protein Chicken Zucchini Bake, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to label it with the date. This way, you will know when it’s time to eat it. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Cut the bake into portions for easy serving. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. It will stay fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, take it out and put it in the fridge overnight to thaw. To reheat your Chicken Zucchini Bake, the oven works best. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bake in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes. This keeps it moist and warm. You can also use the microwave for quick reheating, but it may not keep the texture as good as the oven. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Here are some tips for meal prep: - Prepare the chicken and zucchini the day before. - Layer the dish in the baking pan, but don’t bake it yet. - Cover it tightly with plastic wrap. - Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. - When ready, bake it straight from the fridge. You may need to add a few minutes to the cooking time. This dish is packed with nutrients. Here’s the breakdown per serving: - Protein: About 35 grams - Carbs: Around 10 grams - Fat: Approximately 15 grams This high-protein chicken zucchini bake is great for muscle building and keeping you full. Yes, you can substitute the cottage cheese. Here are some alternatives: - Use Greek yogurt for a similar texture. - Ricotta cheese can also work well. - For a dairy-free option, try silken tofu blended until smooth. These substitutes will change the taste slightly but keep the dish creamy and delicious. This recipe highlights simple ingredients like chicken, zucchini, and cheese. You learned to prepare, cook, and assemble a delicious bake. Keeping juicy chicken and choosing the right cheese makes a huge difference. Remember, variations allow you to explore flavors, and proper storage helps maintain taste. By following these tips, you can enjoy a delightful dish any day. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own!

High-Protein Chicken Zucchini Bake

A delicious and healthy bake featuring chicken and zucchini, perfect for a high-protein meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add the diced chicken to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
  • In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced zucchini on the bottom.
  • Spread the cooked chicken evenly over the zucchini layer.
  • In a bowl, combine the cottage cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Mix well and then spread it over the chicken layer.
  • Top with the remaining zucchini slices, followed by the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  • Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing for easier serving.
Keyword bake, chicken, healthy, high-protein, zucchini