Hey y'all! If you love cozy comfort food with a healthy twist, you're going to adore this Smothered Chicken and Zucchini Bake – One Skillet Meal. Juicy chicken breasts, tender zucchini, and a blanket of gooey cheese come together in a single skillet for a mouthwatering dinner that's as easy as it is delicious. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or looking for a quick weeknight fix, this dish is satisfying, wholesome, and packed with flavor. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Smothered Chicken and Zucchini Bake – One Skillet Meal
- One-pan simplicity means fewer dishes and easier cleanup.
- Packed with lean protein and fresh veggies for a balanced meal.
- Creamy, cheesy topping makes every bite irresistibly comforting.
- Ready in under an hour—perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- Easily customizable to fit different tastes or dietary needs.
Smothered Chicken and Zucchini Bake – One Skillet Meal: Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb total)
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced thin
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Smothered Chicken and Zucchini Bake – One Skillet Meal
Step 1: Prep and Sear the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat 2 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown (they won't be cooked through yet). Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
- In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and zucchini rounds; sauté for another 4-5 minutes until zucchini is just tender.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine and scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
- Simmer for 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Return chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the zucchini and sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 18-22 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and cheese is bubbling and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Notes for the Best Smothered Chicken and Zucchini Bake – One Skillet Meal
- For extra flavor, use a blend of cheeses like provolone or Gruyère in addition to mozzarella.
- If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer everything to a greased casserole dish before baking.
- Learn more about safe chicken cooking temperatures at FoodSafety.gov.

Variations on Smothered Chicken and Zucchini Bake – One Skillet Meal
- Low-Carb: Substitute heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk for fewer calories.
- Spicy: Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
- Vegetarian: Swap chicken for thick slices of portobello mushroom.
Required Equipment for Smothered Chicken and Zucchini Bake – One Skillet Meal
- Large oven-proof skillet (cast iron preferred)
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Storage Instructions for Your Skillet Chicken and Zucchini Bake
- Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature before storing.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months; reheat gently to preserve texture.
Serving Suggestions for Smothered Chicken and Zucchini Bake – One Skillet Meal
- Serve over fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up all that luscious sauce.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- Try it with a glass of chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc.
Pro Tips for the Best Smothered Chicken and Zucchini Bake – One Skillet Meal
- Let the skillet rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Slice zucchini evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate and avoid mushy texture.
- For more on skillet cooking techniques, check out Serious Eats’ guide to cast iron cooking.
FAQs About Smothered Chicken and Zucchini Bake – One Skillet Meal
Can I use thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great—just adjust baking time as needed until they reach 165°F (74°C).
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use your favorite dairy-free cheese and swap heavy cream for coconut cream or unsweetened plant milk.
How do I prevent the zucchini from getting soggy?
Don’t overcook the zucchini before baking—just sauté until barely tender, as it will finish cooking in the oven. For more zucchini tips, visit Allrecipes’ zucchini guide.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
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2Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
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3In the same skillet, add onion and garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes, then add sliced zucchini and cook until just tender, about 4 minutes.
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4Return the chicken to the skillet. Pour heavy cream over the chicken and vegetables, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
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5Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
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6Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your smothered chicken and zucchini bake!
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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