Chicken and Zucchini Bake

This delicious chicken and zucchini bake combines tender pieces of chicken with fresh vegetables and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with melted cheese. It's a healthy and satisfying dish that highlights the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. Zucchini and bell peppers add a refreshing crunch, while garlic and onions provide a savory depth. The dish can be customized with various herbs and spices, making it versatile for different tastes. It's a great way to use fresh, seasonal produce and can be a perfect weeknight meal. With a preparation time of just 50 minutes, it's both quick and delicious. Pair it with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. It’s rich in protein but balanced with vegetables, offering a wholesome dining experience. The entire family will appreciate the flavors and textures in this delectable bake.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

250-300 g chicken fillets
1 zucchini
1-2 green bell peppers
2-3 cloves of garlic
1 tomato
2 medium onions
140 g thick tomato paste
Chicken seasoning blend
Fresh dill
Cheese of choice (for grating)
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Preparation Time

Total Time: 50 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken fillets into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and your chosen chicken seasoning. Mix well; if the mixture seems dry, add 1 tbsp of oil and mix again.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken in the refrigerator to marinate while preparing other ingredients.
Slice the Vegetables: Cut the zucchini and green bell peppers into slices. Dice the tomato into cubes.
Chop Aromatics: Mince the garlic cloves. Cut the onions into half rings and chop the dill roughly. Grate the cheese.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet and add the marinated chicken. Cook until it's no longer pink.
Add Vegetables: Add the sliced zucchini to the pan, cover, and let it cook for a few minutes.
Incorporate Aromatics: Stir in the onions, garlic, and tomatoes. Continuously stir to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.
Simmer with Tomato Paste: After about 5 minutes, add the tomato paste and stir it into the mix. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally.
Check the Texture: Once everything is well-cooked and tender, remove the skillet from the heat.
Finishing Touch: Sprinkle with chopped dill and grated cheese on top. Allow resting for 5 minutes for flavors to meld.
Serve: Make sure everything has adequately steeped, then serve warm.

Tips

Substitution Options: If zucchini is unavailable, substitute with yellow squash or eggplant.
Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick.
Vegan Variation: Substitute chicken with tofu and cheese with nutritional yeast for a vegan version.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
Protein: 25 g
Fats: 15 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g

Variations

Herb Choices: Experiment with herbs like basil or oregano to diversify the flavor profile.
Different Cheese: Try mozzarella or parmesan for a different taste.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes: Pair with a green salad or a serving of rice to balance the meal.
Garnish Ideas: Top with additional fresh dill or parsley for enhanced freshness.

Best Places

Mama's Kitchen - Authentic Mediterranean flavors in a cozy setting. Location: 12 Olive St, Florence, Italy.
Zucchini & Co - Specializes in fresh vegetable dishes. Location: 8 Green Ave, Los Angeles, USA.
The Dill Bistro - Known for its innovative uses of herbs. Location: 15 Market Rd, Sydney, Australia.
Tomato Delight - Famous for its rich tomato-based dishes. Location: 22 Spice Ln, Mumbai, India.
Bell Pepper Corner - A haven for bell pepper lovers. Location: 9 Pepper St, Lisbon, Portugal.
Herb & Garlic Haven - Offers dishes with a focus on garlic and herbs. Location: 18 Leafy Blvd, Toronto, Canada.
Rustic Zucchini - Rustic and comforting zucchini dishes. Location: 20 Vine Rd, Cape Town, South Africa.
Cheese & More - Known for dishes enriched with various cheeses. Location: 3 Dairy Mt, Zurich, Switzerland.
Chicken House - Specializes in chicken dishes, pairing well with side options. Location: 5 Poultry Way, London, UK.
Paprika Heaven - Offers a variety of paprika-infused dishes. Location: 10 Flavor St, Budapest, Hungary.