Baked Chicken with Zucchini & Bell Peppers is a vibrant, flavorful, and low-carb one-pan dinner. Tender chicken breast cubes are coated in a rich, savory marinade of cream cheese, soy sauce, tomato sauce, and aromatic garlic and parsley, then baked over a bed of sliced zucchini and bell pepper rings.
Finished with a layer of bubbly melted mozzarella cheese, the chicken stays tender and juicy while the roasted vegetables absorb the delicious cream sauce. It is an effortless, wholesome recipe for healthy weeknight dinners.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Servings: 3–4 portions
Ingredients
For the Marinated Chicken:
- 500g (1.1 lbs) chicken breast, cut into small bite-sized cubes
- 2 tbsp spreadable cream cheese (or cream cheese cubes)
- 2 tbsp tomato sauce (or passata)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp dried garlic (garlic powder)
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
For the Vegetable Base & Topping:
- 2–3 medium zucchinis, cut into slices
- 1 large bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced into rings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh coriander (cilantro) or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine the diced chicken breast with cream cheese, tomato sauce, soy sauce, olive oil, dried parsley, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until every chicken cube is evenly coated in the creamy marinade. Set aside for 10 minutes.
2. Layer the Vegetable Base
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a baking dish. Arrange the zucchini slices in an even layer across the bottom of the dish to form a vegetable base.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the marinated chicken cubes evenly over the layer of zucchini slices. Top with the bell pepper rings, arranging them evenly across the chicken.
4. Add Mozzarella & Bake
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top layer. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the mozzarella is melted and lightly golden brown.
5. Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped coriander, and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving warm!
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Cut Chicken Evenly: Chop the chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized cubes so they cook at the same rate as the zucchini.
- Soy Sauce Salt Control: Soy sauce already contains salt, so be cautious when adding extra salt to the marinade.
- Broil for Extra Color: For an extra crispy, browned cheese crust, turn on the oven broiler for the last 2 minutes of baking.
Tasty Customization Ideas
- Add Extra Veggies: Include sliced mushrooms, red onions, or cherry tomatoes to the vegetable layer.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade.
- Cheese Swap: Combine mozzarella with shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese for a sharper flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Creamy Baked Chicken with Zucchini & Peppers warm directly from the baking dish. It pairs wonderfully with cooked white rice, quinoa, roasted potatoes, or a light green garden salad!
