Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Preheat and prep
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the chicken and zucchini roast quickly and evenly.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Light coating helps prevent sticking and keeps the vegetables from drying out.
Season and assemble
- Toss the chicken with olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all pieces are coated.
- Spread the chicken evenly in the baking dish. Arrange in a single layer so the edges cook without steaming.
- Add the zucchini and cherry tomatoes around the chicken. Distribute them so they roast instead of crowding in one spot.
Bake and finish with cheese
- Bake for 20 minutes. Look for the chicken edges to turn opaque.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top. Cover the surface so the cheese melts into a browned layer.
- Bake another 10–12 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Continue roasting if the cheese isn’t bubbling yet.
Garnish and serve
- Garnish with parsley and basil before serving. Add right at the end for fresh color and aroma.
Notes
Pro tip: cut chicken into even bite-size pieces so they finish at the same time as the zucchini. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven or microwave until hot. Freezing is not recommended because zucchini and cheese can lose texture. For a dairy-light swap, use part-skim mozzarella or a reduced-fat Italian cheese blend while keeping the same bake times.
