Hello, fellow culinary adventurers! I’m Austin, the imaginative force behind Beyond the Bayou Blog. Today, I’m bubbling with excitement to share with you this nutritious recipe which is low in calories but high in protein, vitamins, and minerals providing you a balanced meal: Chicken Zucchini Recipe.
This recipe is so quick to prepare that I remember a time when my aunt’s friends visited her accidentally without any prior plan and that was the time she prepared this dish for them and served it with Deviled Egg Potato Salad. Guess what? The reaction of her group was so amazing.
So are you ready to serve your unexpected guest with something as delicious as quick to make? Grab your equipment and be ready to learn an exciting recipe today. Fond of such Zucchini recipes? Try my Fried Zucchini Chips and your reactions will be worth- noticing.
What Is Chicken Zucchini?
Chicken Zucchini is a savory dish that pairs tender pieces of chicken with fresh zucchini, creating a wholesome and flavorful meal. It’s a versatile recipe that can be prepared in various ways, allowing for creativity in the kitchen. The combination of lean protein from the chicken and the abundance of vitamins and minerals found in zucchini makes it a nutritious option for any meal.
Overview: How To Make Chicken Zucchini?
Making chicken zucchini is easy and delicious. Start by slicing chicken breasts into thin pieces. Then, heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook it until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once the chicken is cooked, take it out of the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, and then toss in sliced onions and minced garlic. Cook them until the onions become soft and fragrant. Next, add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and cook until they’re tender but still have a bit of crunch.
Once the zucchini is cooked, return the chicken to the skillet. Sprinkle some dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper over everything. Stir everything together well and let it cook for a few more minutes so all the flavors can blend together nicely.
When everything is heated through and well mixed, take the skillet off the heat. Your chicken zucchini dish is now ready to be served. You can garnish it with some grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy your flavorful and nutritious meal! You must try this deliciousness with the Ghirardelli Brownie.
Try More Recipes!
Captivating Chicken Zucchini Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Utensils
- 1 Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 2 Chicken breasts
- 2 Medium zucchinis
- 1 Onion
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1 tsp Dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed, then add the thinly sliced onion and minced garlic. Saut� until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the sliced zucchinis to the skillet and cook until they are tender but still slightly crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and sprinkle dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Stir well to combine and let cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Once everything is heated through and well combined, remove the skillet from heat.
- Serve the Chicken Zucchini hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Customization: Feel free to customize the recipe according to your preferences. You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. You can add more or less herbs, salt, and pepper according to your preference.
- Protein Variation: If you prefer, you can substitute chicken with other proteins such as shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Garnish: The dish can be garnished with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil for added freshness and color.
- Meal Prep: This recipe is great for meal prep. You can prepare a batch ahead of time and portion it into containers for quick and easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Cooking Tips: Make sure not to overcook the zucchini to maintain its crisp texture. Similarly, be careful not to overcook the chicken to prevent it from becoming tough and dry.
Nutrition
Tips & Tricks!
- Prep Ahead: Slice the chicken and vegetables ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and save time on busy weeknights.
- Even Slicing: Try to slice the chicken and zucchini into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Hot Skillet: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This helps to sear the meat quickly and lock in the juices for tender results.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this can cause the ingredients to steam rather than brown. Cook the chicken and zucchini in batches if necessary.
- Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season the chicken and vegetables generously with herbs, salt, and pepper. Seasoning adds depth of flavor to the dish.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Consider using fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a burst of freshness and color. Add them towards the end of cooking or as a garnish for maximum impact.
- Finish with a Squeeze: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished dish can brighten the flavors and add a tangy twist.
- Experiment with Cheese: If you enjoy cheese, try sprinkling some grated Parmesan or crumbled feta over the finished dish for added richness and flavor.
- Serve with a Side: Pair Chicken Zucchini with your favorite side dishes such as rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- Enjoy Leftovers Creatively: Leftover Chicken Zucchini can be repurposed into wraps, sandwiches, or pasta dishes for quick and delicious meals later in the week.
What to Serve with Chicken Zucchini?
Possible Variations With The Recipe?
- Creamy Sauce: Create a creamy sauce by stirring in some heavy cream or coconut milk towards the end of cooking. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over pasta or mashed potatoes.
- Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, add sliced jalape�os or red pepper flakes to the skillet along with the onions and garlic. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice and chopped cilantro.
- Asian Fusion: Stir in soy sauce, ginger, and a splash of sesame oil for an Asian-inspired twist. Serve over rice or noodles and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
- Stuffed Zucchini Boats: Instead of slicing the zucchini, hollow them out and stuff them with the cooked chicken mixture. Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, then bake until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly.
- Tex-Mex Flavor: Season the chicken with taco seasoning and add corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Serve with tortillas, guacamole, and salsa for a Tex-Mex feast.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or tarragon for a unique flavor profile. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish and add a burst of freshness.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and broccoli. You can also substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
- Grilled Variation: Marinate the chicken in your favorite marinade before grilling it alongside sliced zucchini on the barbecue. This adds a smoky flavor and charred edges to the dish.
- Curry Flair: Incorporate curry powder or paste into the dish for a flavorful curry twist. Coconut milk can also be added for creaminess and served with naan bread or rice for a complete meal.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean flavor profile. Serve over couscous or with a side of tzatziki sauce.
Storing The Chicken Zucchini!
- Allow the cooked Chicken Zucchini to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer the cooled dish to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate the Chicken Zucchini for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the Chicken Zucchini in a freezer-safe container or freezer bags.
- Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw frozen Chicken Zucchini overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat the thawed Chicken Zucchini on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
- Enjoy your flavorful Chicken Zucchini whenever you’re ready to indulge!
