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This chicken zucchini bake with bacon is a quick and comforting dinner that brings together tender chicken, fresh zucchini, smoky bacon, and melted cheeses into one delicious casserole. It cooks in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but fussfree. The dry Ranch seasoning adds a burst of flavor that ties all the ingredients together, while the final broil gives the cheese that irresistible golden crust.
I first made this when I needed a quick meal after a long day and now it's a favorite in my rotation. My family especially loves how the bacon and cheeses create a cozy savory layer on top.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: thinly sliced so they cook quickly and stay juicy. For larger breasts slice them in half horizontally for even cooking
- Dry Ranch seasoning: adds a burst of herby flavor. Use your favorite brand or homemade mix for best results
- Zucchini: thinly sliced to keep the dish light and add a lovely mild sweetness. Choose firm evenly sized zucchinis
- Bacon: cooked and chopped to bring smoky saltiness and crunch. Thick cut bacon works well if you like it meatier
- Mozzarella cheese: shredded melts beautifully and adds creamy richness. Fresh shredded cheese works best
- Parmesan cheese: shredded offers a nutty sharp contrast. Pick a good quality cheese for the best taste
Instructions
- Sear the chicken:
- Heat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a casserole dish. Arrange the thinly sliced chicken breasts flat in the dish to create an even layer. This helps the chicken cook evenly and soak up the seasoning.
- Season generously:
- Sprinkle the chicken evenly with the dry Ranch seasoning mix. This adds a punchy herby flavor that pairs perfectly with the bacon and cheeses.
- Layer the veggies and bacon:
- Place thin slices of zucchini evenly over the seasoned chicken to keep every bite balanced. Scatter the cooked chopped bacon over the zucchini for smoky richness throughout the dish.
- Add the cheeses:
- Distribute shredded Parmesan and Mozzarella cheese evenly on top. These melt and form a golden crust that bakes beautifully into the chicken and vegetables.
- Bake uncovered:
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through with clear juices and no pink inside.
- Broil for extra crispness:
- Switch your oven to broil and cook the casserole for 2 to 3 minutes. This step gets the cheese bubbly and lightly browned on top. Watch it carefully so it does not burn.
- Rest and serve:
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This finishes cooking the chicken and helps all the flavors marry beautifully.
My favorite part of this dish is the bacon. It really elevates everything by adding deep smoky flavor and texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken and soft zucchini. One evening we made this for a casual family dinner and ended up having everyone take seconds which is a rare treat in our house.
Storage tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to keep the cheese from getting rubbery. You can also freeze the baked casserole before broiling for up to a month. Thaw it overnight and broil before serving to refresh the cheesy crust.
Ingredient substitutions
To lighten the dish even more swap bacon for turkey bacon or omit it altogether. Any mild white cheese like Monterey Jack can replace mozzarella if needed. Feel free to experiment with other veggies such as yellow squash or mushrooms instead of zucchini.
Serving suggestions
This bake goes well with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to round out the plate. For something heartier try cauliflower rice or garlic mashed potatoes. Leftovers are great for filling lettuce wraps or quick lunch wraps.
Let the bake rest a few minutes before serving to lock in juices. It makes a simple weeknight dinner that reheats well for lunch or dinner the next day.
Common Questions About the Recipe
- → Can I use regular chicken breasts instead of thin slices?
Yes, simply slice larger chicken breasts horizontally into thinner pieces to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
- → How do I ensure the chicken cooks evenly?
Arrange thin chicken slices in a single layer in the casserole dish so heat distributes evenly during baking.
- → Is broiling necessary at the end?
Broiling adds a golden, bubbly finish to the cheese topping but can be skipped if preferred.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses used?
Yes, mozzarella and parmesan can be swapped with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or cheddar for varied flavor and texture.
- → What sides complement this dish well?
Steamed vegetables, fresh salads, cauliflower rice, or garlic mashed potatoes pair nicely to round out the meal.