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For this easy recipe, you will need: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 large lemon, both zest and juice - 3 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a tasty dish that is both satisfying and healthy. The chicken is tender, while the zucchini adds a nice crunch. In addition to the main ingredients, make sure you have these kitchen staples: - Mixing bowls for combining ingredients - A whisk for mixing the marinade - A baking dish to cook everything together - A knife and cutting board for slicing the zucchini - Measuring spoons for accuracy Having these items at hand makes the cooking process smooth and fun. To make your dish even more exciting, consider these optional add-ins: - Red pepper flakes for heat - Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for added aroma - A splash of balsamic vinegar for tanginess - Sliced bell peppers for more color and crunch These extra touches can elevate your dish, making it even more delicious. You can find the full recipe in the section above. Start by gathering all your ingredients. You will need chicken, zucchini, olive oil, lemon, garlic, herbs, and spices. This dish is easy and quick. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step warms the oven for even cooking. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This zesty blend gives the chicken great flavor. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour half the marinade over the chicken. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. This helps the chicken soak up the flavors. While the chicken marinates, prepare the zucchini. Slice the zucchinis into half-moons. Drizzle the remaining marinade over the zucchini and toss well. After marinating, place the zucchini around the chicken in the baking dish. This makes for a colorful dish. Bake everything in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The zucchini should be tender and lightly caramelized. Once done, let it rest for a few minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy. Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a nice finish. Enjoy this flavorful meal! Check out the Full Recipe for more details. To make your chicken breast juicy, start with quality meat. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best results. Marinate them for at least 15 minutes. This step adds flavor and keeps the meat moist. Use a mix of lemon juice and olive oil. The acid helps tenderize the chicken. Bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C). High heat locks in juices and cooks evenly. Use a meat thermometer. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This keeps the juices inside. For tender zucchini, slice them into half-moons. This shape allows even cooking. Toss the zucchini in the leftover marinade. This adds flavor and helps soften them. You can also sauté them if you prefer a quicker method. Cook them in a hot pan for about 3-4 minutes. Watch them closely to avoid overcooking. Overcooked zucchini becomes mushy and loses its bright color. Aim for a tender but firm texture. Present your dish with flair! Serve the chicken and zucchini straight from the baking dish. This gives a rustic look. For a more polished feel, plate them individually. Drizzle the remaining marinade over the top. This adds shine and flavor. Sprinkle fresh parsley on the dish for color. You can also add lemon wedges on the side. This gives a fresh touch and looks appealing. For extra crunch, consider adding toasted nuts or seeds on top. Enjoy your meal! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe link. {{image_4}} You can change up this dish by adding other veggies. Try bell peppers, asparagus, or broccoli. They add color and flavor. Slice them into similar sizes as the zucchini. This way, everything cooks evenly. You can also mix in cherry tomatoes for a sweet burst. Just toss them in with the zucchini. To change the taste, swap out some ingredients in the marinade. Use lime juice instead of lemon for a different zing. Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant touch. You can also try a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar for richness. These small changes can make a big difference. This recipe is naturally gluten-free. If you're on a low-carb diet, this dish fits perfectly. You can replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh for a veggie option. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. Always check labels on sauces and marinades to ensure they match your dietary needs. This way, you can enjoy a healthy meal without worry. For the full recipe, visit the provided link. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure the chicken and zucchini cool down first. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save them longer, freezing is a great option. When reheating, use the oven for best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken and zucchini in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) before eating. To freeze, slice the chicken and zucchini into portions. Place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can enjoy this meal again with ease! For the full recipe, refer back to the beginning. You should bake chicken breasts with zucchini for 20 to 25 minutes. This time ensures the chicken cooks through while keeping the zucchini tender. Always check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165°F (74°C) for safety. Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs are juicier and can add extra flavor. They may take a bit longer to cook, so check their temperature as well. Thighs should reach the same internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. I recommend serving this dish with a light salad or some rice. A fresh side salad can balance the meal nicely. You could also pair it with crusty bread to soak up the juices. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe for further inspiration! In this article, we explored how to make easy chicken breast with zucchini. We covered the main ingredients, kitchen staples, and optional add-ins for flavor. You learned step-by-step instructions for marinating and baking. I shared tips for juicy chicken and tender zucchini. We discussed variations with different veggies and dietary needs. Finally, we touched on storage and reheating tips for leftovers. Enjoy your cooking! This dish is simple and tasty, making meal prep easy and fun.

Easy Chicken Breast with Zucchini

Discover a mouthwatering recipe for Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken with Zucchini that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner! This dish features juicy chicken breasts marinated in a vibrant lemon-herb mixture, paired with tender zucchini slices for a colorful and nutritious meal. Ready in just 40 minutes, it's easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 large lemon, both zest and juice

3 cloves of garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a hint of smokiness)

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for cooking.

    In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. This zesty mixture will serve as a flavorful marinade.

      Place the chicken breasts into a medium-sized baking dish and pour half of the prepared marinade over them, ensuring each breast is thoroughly coated. Set aside to marinate for a minimum of 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.

        While the chicken marinates, take the sliced zucchinis and place them in a separate mixing bowl. Drizzle with the remaining marinade and toss well until the zucchini slices are evenly coated with the zesty dressing.

          After the chicken has marinated, arrange the zucchini slices around the chicken in the same baking dish, creating a colorful and vibrant presentation.

            Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The zucchini should also be tender and slightly caramelized.

              Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the dish to rest for a few minutes to maintain juiciness.

                Before serving, generously sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and freshness to your meal.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 2

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken and zucchini directly from the baking dish on a rustic wooden table for a homely feel, or plate them individually with a drizzle of remaining juices for an elegant touch.