High Protein Chicken Zucchini Bake (Print Version)

Golden-seared chicken and crisp zucchini in a creamy yogurt-egg blend, topped with mozzarella. A satisfying, high-protein meal.

# Components:

→ Chicken & Seasoning

01 - 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
03 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
06 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Vegetables

07 - 2 medium zucchini thinly sliced about 4 cups
08 - 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
09 - 2 cloves garlic minced

→ Dairy & Eggs

10 - 2 large eggs
11 - 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
12 - 1 cup shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese divided
13 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

→ Other

14 - 1 tablespoon olive oil plus extra for greasing
15 - Fresh parsley or basil for garnish optional

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking dish with olive oil.
02 - Combine oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Toss chicken pieces in spice mixture until well coated.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden but not fully cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
04 - Reduce heat to medium in the same skillet. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
05 - Whisk together eggs and Greek yogurt in a separate bowl until smooth. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
06 - Return seared chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with onion and garlic mixture. Remove from heat.
07 - 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.
08 - Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the Parmesan.
09 - Repeat with remaining zucchini slices, chicken mixture, and yogurt-egg mixture. Finish with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
10 - Cover dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
11 - Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
12 - Let bake rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It hits that perfect comfort food spot while keeping things light and protein-packed
  • The leftovers reheat beautifully for effortless lunches throughout the week
  • You get that golden cheesy crust on top without the heaviness of traditional pasta bakes
02 -
  • The five minute resting period is not optional because the custard needs time to set for clean slices
  • Searing the chicken first makes a huge difference in the final flavor compared to adding it raw
  • Do not skip covering with foil for the first twenty minutes or your zucchini will not cook through properly
03 -
  • Use a mandoline or very sharp knife to get those zucchini slices thin and even
  • Pat the chicken pieces dry before seasoning them so the spices stick better
  • Grate your own Parmesan instead of using pre-grated for better melting
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