Description
This High Protein Chicken Zucchini Bake is a delicious and nutritious casserole featuring tender chicken, fresh zucchini, flavorful spices, and a cheesy yogurt-egg mixture, perfect for a healthy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for greasing
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Season the Chicken In a medium bowl, combine oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in the spice mixture until well coated.
- Sear the Chicken Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics Reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Prepare Egg Mixture In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and Greek yogurt until smooth. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Combine Chicken with Vegetables Return the seared chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the onion and garlic mixture. Remove from heat.
- Assemble First Layer Layer half of the sliced zucchini in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the chicken-onion mixture over the zucchini. Pour half of the yogurt-egg mixture evenly on top.
- Add First Cheese Layer Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the Parmesan.
- Build Second Layer Repeat with the remaining zucchini slices, chicken mixture, yogurt-egg mix, and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake Covered Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Finish Baking Uncovered Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Rest and Serve Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil, if desired. Serve warm.
