Meal Prep Chicken and Zucchini Parm Bake Recipe

Streamlining Your Routine: Mastering Meal Prep with Chicken and Zucchini Parm Bake

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, finding time to prepare wholesome and delicious meals can be a daunting task. The key to conquering this challenge lies in mastering the art of meal prep. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of meal preparation and introduce you to a delightful recipe that not only satisfies your taste buds but also simplifies your busy schedule – the Meal Prep Chicken and Zucchini Parm Bake.

The Beauty of Meal Prep:

Meal prepping is a game-changer for those seeking a balance between a hectic lifestyle and a commitment to healthy eating. By dedicating a portion of your time to planning and preparing meals in advance, you not only save time during the week but also make better food choices. The Meal Prep Chicken and Zucchini Parm Bake is a perfect addition to your meal prep repertoire, providing a delicious blend of flavors and essential nutrients.

Ingredients:

Before we dive into the culinary magic, let’s take a moment to appreciate the star players in this dish:

1. Chicken: Choose lean chicken breasts for a protein-packed meal.
2. Zucchini: Packed with vitamins and low in calories, zucchini adds a nutritious twist.
3. Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
4. Tomato Sauce: Opt for a high-quality, low-sugar tomato sauce for that authentic Parmesan taste.
5. Breadcrumbs: Adds a satisfying crunch to the dish.

The Recipe:

Now, let’s walk through the steps to create this culinary masterpiece:

1. Preparation: Start by preheating your oven and preparing your ingredients. Slice the chicken breasts and zucchini into even pieces for consistent cooking.
2. Seasoning: Season the chicken with your favorite herbs and spices. This step is crucial for infusing the dish with flavor. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasoning choices.
3. Layering: Begin the assembly process by layering the seasoned chicken and zucchini in a baking dish. Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the layers, ensuring each piece is coated.
4. Cheesy Goodness: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese generously over the top. The cheese will melt and create a golden crust, adding a delightful texture to the dish.
5. Breadcrumbs for the Win: Finish off your masterpiece with a layer of breadcrumbs. This not only adds a satisfying crunch but also brings the dish together with a perfect balance of textures.
6. Bake to Perfection: Pop the dish into the preheated oven and let the magic happen. As the aroma of the baking Parmesan fills your kitchen, you’ll know you’re in for a treat.

Meal Prep Chicken and Zucchini Parm Bake

This Meal Prep Chicken and Zucchini Parm Bake is simple to make, easy to save and packed with both nutrition and tastiness. It’s both freezer friendly and also able to last up to a week in the fridge so, no matter how many you’re cooking for, it has your needs covered.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Ingredients

  

• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 cup white onion chopped fine
• 4 medium zucchini
• Salt
• Pepper
• 1 lb lean ground chicken
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup fresh torn basil
• 3/4 cup about 3 oz, reduced fat mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese

Instructions

 

• Step 1 Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 9×13 casserole dish with cooking spray
• Step 2 Add garlic and onion to a frying pan over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften
• Step 3 While garlic and onion cook, slice zucchini lengthwise and scoop out the fleshy, seedy part. Add the zucchini flesh to the frying pan along with ground chicken
• Step 4 Season zucchini shells with salt and pepper then cook chicken mixture over medium heat, stirring regularly and breaking up ground meat, until chicken is fully cooked through, about 5 minutes
• Step 5 Season chicken mixture to taste with salt and pepper then pour in marinara sauce and simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir in breadcrumbs and basil
• Step 6 While chicken mixture simmers, chop seasoned zucchini shells and spread evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish
• Step 7 Once excess liquid has simmered out of chicken mixture, pour over chopped zucchini
• Step 8 Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan evenly over entire dish
• Step 9 Bake in preheated oven for about 15 minutes, cheese should be melted and edges should be bubbling

The Benefits of Meal Prep Chicken and Zucchini Parm Bake:

1. Nutrient-rich: Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, this dish provides a well-rounded meal.
2. Time-Saving: By preparing this dish in advance, you’ll have ready-made meals throughout the week, reducing your cooking time significantly.
3. Versatility: The Meal Prep Chicken and Zucchini Parm Bake can be customized to suit your taste. Add extra veggies, change up the spices, or experiment with different cheeses to keep things exciting.

NOT-SO-PRO TIPS

As written, this recipe calls for 6 servings. If I’m looking for a heartier meal, though, I’ll sometimes cut that down to 4, larger but still light portions. I have made this dish with both ground chicken and ground turkey and both were delicious

I highly recommend trying Victoria’s Sauce. It’s lower in sugar than most prepared marinara sauces but so convenient and so tasty. If you want extra crisp zucchini, season with salt and leave for a few minutes before scooping out the flesh. This will draw out extra water giving your dish more crunch.

For gluten-free, simply omit the breadcrumbs. I originally made this dish without them and it was still delicious. If you’d like to reheat your Chicken and Zucchini Parm Bake without a microwave, cover the dish with tinfoil and return to the oven at the same temperature for 10-15 minutes. You can then remove the foil and bake for 3-5 minutes for gooier cheese.

Embrace Culinary Efficiency: Elevate Your Routine with Meal Prep Chicken and Zucchini Parm Bake

Incorporating the Meal Prep Chicken and Zucchini Parm Bake into your routine is a delicious and practical way to streamline your meal preparation efforts. As you savor the layers of flavors and textures in each bite, you’ll appreciate the simplicity and efficiency of this dish. Make meal prep a joy, not a chore, and enjoy the benefits of nourishing your body with a wholesome and satisfying meal.