Savory Baked Chicken & Zucchini 🍽️🥒

This delightful dish is the perfect combination of juicy chicken and tender zucchini, all baked together with tomatoes and melted cheese. It's a wholesome meal that’s easy to prepare and will impress your family and friends! Plus, it's packed with fresh flavors and can easily be adapted to your taste preferences.

Consider serving this dish with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices! 🥗🍞

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Zucchini Dish

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup dry bread crumbs
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 5 zucchinis, sliced
• 4 tomatoes, sliced
• 2/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a shallow bowl, beat together the egg, water, salt, and pepper.

3. Coat the Chicken: Set aside 2 tablespoons of the bread crumbs. Pour the remaining bread crumbs into a large resealable plastic bag. Dip each chicken breast in the egg mixture, then place in the bag and shake until well-coated.

4. Brown the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken until browned, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet.

5. Sauté the Zucchini: Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet, then add the sliced zucchini and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat until the zucchini is slightly tender, about 2 minutes.

6. Assemble the Dish: Transfer the zucchini mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved bread crumbs over the zucchini. Layer with tomato slices, 2/3 cup of mozzarella cheese, and chopped basil. Place the browned chicken on top.

7. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven until the chicken is no longer pink in the center (about 25 minutes). A thermometer inserted in the center should read at least 165°F (74°C).

8. Add the Final Touch: Uncover the dish and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips for Success

🥇 Make sure to check the chicken's internal temperature to ensure it is cooked through. This is the best way to avoid undercooking!

🥦 Feel free to mix in any of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.

Variations

• Low-Carb: Substitute the bread crumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or layer some jalapeños for a kick!
• Cheesy Delight: Try mixing in different cheeses like cheddar or provolone for a different flavor profile.

Enjoy your savory dish, and watch it disappear from the dinner table! 🍽️✨