📖 Description
This oven-baked chicken breast recipe is juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. Fresh zucchini slices and sweet roasted cherry tomatoes surround perfectly seasoned chicken breasts, topped with melted mozzarella and herbs. The vegetables roast in the chicken’s natural juices, creating a rich, savory sauce at the bottom of the baking dish.
It’s a low-carb, keto-friendly dinner recipe that’s high in protein and perfect for weight loss meal plans. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal — meaning easy cleanup and minimal prep time.
If you’re looking for:
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Healthy chicken recipes
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Easy weeknight dinner ideas
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High-protein low-carb meals
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Family-friendly baked chicken recipes
This is the one.
🛒 Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds
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1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes
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1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon paprika
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Optional Add-Ons:
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
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2 tablespoons heavy cream (for richer sauce)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish.
2️⃣ Prepare the Chicken
Pat chicken breasts dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
3️⃣ Assemble the Dish
Place chicken breasts in the baking dish. Arrange zucchini slices and cherry tomatoes around and slightly under the chicken.
4️⃣ Add Flavor
Drizzle olive oil over everything. Sprinkle minced garlic evenly. If using heavy cream, pour lightly around the dish (not directly on top).
5️⃣ Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, depending on thickness.
6️⃣ Add Cheese
Remove from oven, top each chicken breast with mozzarella (and Parmesan if using). Return to oven and bake another 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden brown.
Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
7️⃣ Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley before serving.
⏱ Cooking Time
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
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Total Time: 45–50 minutes
🥗 Serving Suggestions
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Serve over cauliflower rice (keto-friendly)
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Pair with quinoa or brown rice
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Add a fresh green salad
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Serve with garlic butter pasta
🥑 Nutrition Highlights (Per Serving Approx.)
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High protein
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Low carb
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Gluten-free
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Keto-friendly
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Rich in vitamins A & C
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (High-Intent & High CPM Topics)
1. Is this baked chicken recipe good for weight loss?
Yes! This is a high-protein, low-carb meal that helps promote satiety and muscle maintenance. It’s excellent for calorie-controlled diets and keto meal plans.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and may result in juicier meat. Adjust cooking time slightly.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best texture.
4. Can I freeze baked cheesy chicken?
Yes. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
5. What cheese works best for baked chicken?
Mozzarella melts beautifully, but you can also use:
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Provolone
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Monterey Jack
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Sharp cheddar
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Gruyère
6. How do I prevent dry chicken breast?
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Do not overbake
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Use a meat thermometer
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Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving
7. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes. It contains minimal carbohydrates and fits perfectly into ketogenic and low-carb meal plans.
8. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Substitute cheese with dairy-free shredded alternatives or skip cheese and add more herbs and olive oil.
💡 Pro Cooking Tips
✔ Slice zucchini evenly for uniform roasting
✔ Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting
✔ Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a golden crust
✔ Marinate chicken 30 minutes beforehand for deeper flavor
