Chicken and zucchini are a match made in kitchen heaven. These two ingredients pair perfectly to create easy, delicious meals that are perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers with friends and family.
If you find yourself with chicken in the fridge and zucchini on the counter, you may be wondering – what should I make with these two ingredients? Look no further! In this article, we’ll explore 9 of the tastiest chicken and zucchini recipes that are sure to become new favorites.
Why Chicken and Zucchini Work So Well Together
There are a few reasons this combo is so popular:
-
Quick cooking time – Chicken and zucchini both cook quickly either on the stovetop, in the oven, or on the grill. This makes them ideal for weeknight dinners when you need something fast.
-
Mild flavor – Zucchini has a very mild taste which allows it to blend seamlessly into chicken dishes without overpowering other ingredients. It soaks up flavors easily.
-
Nutrient powerhouses – Chicken provides lean protein while zucchini offers nutrients like vitamin C riboflavin manganese and antioxidants. Together they make a healthy, balanced meal.
-
Versatile ingredients – Chicken and zucchini can be transformed into casseroles pastas sandwiches, salads, soups – you name it! Their neutral flavors mean they work in a wide variety of cuisines and cooking methods.
-
Budget-friendly – Chicken and zucchini are both affordable ingredients that can stretch your grocery budget. When zucchini is in season in the summer months, you can often find it for very cheap.
Now that you know why they make such a great pair, let’s look at some of the tastiest ways to use them!
9 Satisfying Chicken and Zucchini Recipes
1. Chicken Zucchini Casserole
This creamy, cheesy casserole is pure comfort food at its finest. Shredded chicken and zucchini bake in a rich sauce flavored with Parmesan, lemon and fresh herbs. The addition of crackers or breadcrumbs on top gives it a crispy, golden crust. It’s easy to throw together and makes great leftovers too.
2. Chicken Zoodle Soup
Zucchini noodles (or zoodles) make this chicken noodle soup light and fresh while still delivering the classic flavors you crave when you’re feeling under the weather. Simmer chicken, carrots, celery and onion in broth then add zucchini noodles right at the end so they don’t get mushy. Feel free to top with Parmesan or fresh herbs.
3. Chicken and Zucchini Kabobs
Take your dinner outside to the grill with these easy kabobs. Alternate chunks of tender chicken, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers and zucchini on skewers for a fun and hands-on cooking method. The zucchini holds its shape well when grilled over direct heat. Brush with a bold BBQ or teriyaki marinade before grilling.
4. Baked Chicken and Zucchini
This one-pan meal couldn’t be simpler to throw together. Just toss chicken, zucchini, tomatoes, garlic and Italian seasoning with olive oil and pop it in the oven. The zucchini softens and absorbs all the delicious flavors. Serve over pasta, rice or zucchini noodles for an easy weeknight dinner.
5. Chicken Zucchini Enchiladas
For a fun, low-carb spin on enchiladas, use wide zucchini planks in place of tortillas to wrap up chicken, cheese, beans and enchilada sauce. The zucchini softens but still holds everything together. Top with extra sauce, cheese and cilantro for a flavor and nutrition boost.
6. Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry
High heat and constant stirring are the secrets to an excellent stir fry. This version packs tender chicken, crisp zucchini and bell peppers, garlic and ginger into a saucy soy-based stir fry sauce. Serve it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. It comes together in just minutes in a skillet or wok.
7. Italian Chicken and Zucchini Sheet Pan Dinner
Sheet pan dinners make weeknight cooking so simple. Toss chicken thighs, zucchini rounds, grape tomatoes, garlic and Italian seasoning onto a pan then roast while you make a side salad or garlic bread. The zucchini caramelizes beautifully in the oven, infusing the dish with sweet depth of flavor.
8. Chicken Zucchini Pasta
Transform your basic chicken alfredo into something exciting with the addition of fresh zucchini ribbons. Use a spiralizer to turn zucchini into long, noodle-like strands then sauté and add to creamy pasta with chicken and Parm. The zucchini noodle texture is so slurpable and satisfying.
9. Chicken Zucchini Salad
This main dish salad is packed with summertime flavors from grilled chicken, zucchini, corn, avocado and fresh lime. Mix up the herb vinaigrette right in the salad bowl then pile on the ingredients. The tender grilled zucchini pairs perfectly with the smoky chicken. Top with crumbled feta or cotija cheese for even more flavor.
Time to Cook!
Now you have 9 delicious recipe ideas for your chicken and zucchini. With options like hearty casseroles, filling pasta dishes and fresh salads, you’re sure to find a new favorite way to use up this winning ingredient combo.
Zucchini is at its peak during the summer months so take advantage of farm-fresh, inexpensive produce. Meal prep a few of these recipes on the weekend to have easy dinners ready to go all week long.
Don’t let another summer go by without exploring the many tasty ways to cook chicken and zucchini together. Your family will be asking for these recipes again and again! Get cooking and savor the flavors.
Why you must try this recipe
You have to love recipes that use what you already have in your fridge and pantry. And recipes that really don’t take much effort to be full of flavor. And recipes that appeal to every member of the household. This Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry is all of those things. The most effort you need to put in here is chopping the chicken and the zucchini. From that point on, it’s full steam ahead. Stir fry the chicken, stir fry the zucchini, add them together, and you’re done. To make it even easier, I used garlic powder and ginger powder so there is less prep time. It still has all the flavor you could want out of a keto stir fry. And each delicious serving has 41g of protein and only 3.2g net carbs. What’s not to love?
- Tamari: You can also use soy sauce, but tamari is a bit stronger and is completely gluten-free.
- Sesame oil: Use toasted sesame oil for the best flavor.
- Sriracha: You can also use any other asian hot sauce.
- Chicken thighs: I like to use boneless, skinless thighs for this recipe because they are easier to cut into smaller pieces. You can also use boneless skinless chicken breasts.
- Zucchini: You can also use yellow squash for this dish, or a mix of both.
- Glucomannan: You need a thickener like glucomannan or xanthan gum. I prefer glucomannan as it makes keto gravy and other sauces less slimy.
- Pantry staples: Garlic powder, ginger powder, avocado oil, salt and pepper.
Step by Step Directions
1. Prepare the marinade: Whisk the tamari, sesame oil, sriracha, garlic powder, and ginger together in a small bowl. Pour over the chicken in a larger bowl and toss to coat.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add one tablespoon of the oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and all the liquids from the bowl. Stir fry until the chicken is cooked through, about 7 minutes. Transfer the chicken and most of the juices from the pan to a bowl.
3. Cook the zucchini: Slice the zucchini lengthwise in half, then slice each half into 1/2 inch slices. Add the other tablespoon of oil and the zucchini. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper, and stir fry until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the chicken: Add the chicken back to the pan with all of the juices. Toss well to combine.
5. Thicken the sauce: If you want a thicker sauce sauce, lower the heat to medium low. Push the meat and veggies to one side of the pan. Sprinkle the glucomannan over the accumulated juices, whisking simultaneously to combine. Stir everything back together.
Take the time to cut the chicken into relatively even bite-sized pieces (no more than 1 inch, but preferably close to 1/2 inch). Stir fry requires smaller pieces of meat and vegetables so that you can cook it quickly and evenly over high heat. Use a large skillet (12 inches in diameter) or a wok so you can keep moving the ingredients around continuously without having them spill over the the edge. The trick to stir fry really is to stir quickly while things are cooking. Tamari is my favorite way to add that umami flavor to keto asian-style dishes. Many people want to use coconut aminos but it has more carbs and less flavor. Go with the good stuff and you will find you meal far more enjoyable!
With small modifications, you can enjoy stir fry meals while on the keto diet. Choose low carb vegetables in your stir fry like zucchini, mushrooms and cauliflower. To thicken your sauces, use a thickener like glucomannan or xanthan gum. And if you want some rice, serve over cauliflower rice.
This keto chicken zucchini stir fry recipe has 4.1g of carbs and 0.9g of fiber per serving. That comes to 3.2g net carbs per serving.
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I do not recommend freezing this recipe as the zucchini will become very mushy.
Buttery Garlic Herb Chicken with Zucchini I The Recipe Critic
FAQ
What to eat with chicken & zucchini?
Chicken and zucchini are the perfect match for simple and delicious summer dinners that will tempt your family to the table. These recipes are packed with flavor and are so easy to make. Get recipes and ideas for easy chicken and zucchini dinners your whole family will love, from casseroles and pastas to salads and soups.
Is zucchini good for chicken?
Zucchini has a mild flavor, so it blends seamlessly into most easy chicken dinners without overpowering. But it can also be the star of the meal when turned into zucchini boats or shaved into wide ribbons. In this collection of chicken and zucchini recipes, you’ll find meal ideas for busy weeknights, summer gatherings and light lunches.
How do you mix chicken and zucchini?
Here is a fun way to combine chicken and zucchini – and it’s pretty delicious too! Start by halving the zucchini lengthwise and scooping out the insides. Then, make up the filling by simmering chicken, aromatics and veggies in marinara sauce. Add the filling to the zucchini boats, top with cheese, and bake! Get the recipe here. 5.
What is baked chicken & zucchini Parmesan?
Baked Chicken and Zucchini Parmesan is a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with crispy zucchini and savory cheese. This recipe is relatively easy to make and is great for a weeknight dinner. To start, I gather my ingredients: chicken breasts, zucchini, marinara sauce, Parmesan cheese, and some spices. I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C).
How do you cook chicken & zucchini in a pan?
Cook the chicken and zucchini with cumin, chili powder, and salt. Then, add this to warm tortillas and top with pico de gallo, avocado, cilantro, cheese, and lime juice. Get the recipe here. 25. Chicken Zucchini Sheet Pan Want to get your dinner done at once? Check out this yummy recipe! The chicken is seasoned and placed on a baking sheet.
How do you cook chicken and zucchini casserole?
Marinate the chicken and zucchini before cooking in garlic and then simmering in a sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, white pepper, and sesame oil. Take off the heat when everything is coated and flavorful! Get the recipe here. 2. Chicken Zucchini Casserole