This one-pot dish is a total winner! With tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and fresh zucchini, it’s a breeze to whip up. No fuss, just fill your pot and let it cook!
You’ll love how quickly it all comes together, making dinner stress-free. I often sneak in extra zucchini because they absorb all that cheesy flavor—and no one regrets that!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is awesome for cooking, but you can also use butter for a richer flavor. Coconut oil works too, especially if you’re going for a lighter taste.
Chicken: I love using thighs for tenderness, but breasts are great for a leaner option. If you need a quicker fix, rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver!
Zucchini and Yellow Squash: Both veggies are fantastic for this dish! If you can’t find yellow squash, just use more zucchini or substitute with bell peppers or even mushrooms.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is the star here, but you can swap it for brown rice. Just be aware brown rice might need a bit more cooking time and liquid.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor, but feel free to use medium or mild cheese if you prefer. A mix of cheeses can bring extra creaminess!
Chicken Broth: Homemade is always nice, but store-bought works just as well. Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for a lighter taste.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure the Chicken is Cooked Through?
Making sure your chicken is perfectly cooked is key. Start by cutting the chicken into even, bite-sized pieces, so they cook evenly. Here’s a method to check:
- Cook chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes in the olive oil until they’re lightly brown but still pink in the middle.
- After adding the rice and broth, cover the dish for baking. This traps heat and moisture, cooking the chicken through.
- After about 25 minutes, check the chicken using a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (75°C) when done.
Letting it rest for 5 minutes after baking helps juices redistribute, making every bite juicier!
Easy One-Pot Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 medium yellow squash, sliced into half-moons (optional: adds color and texture)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra melty texture)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper for a hint of spice
- Optional toppings: black sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning for crunch and flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 35-40 minutes of cooking time in the oven, for a total of about 50-55 minutes. It’s easy to make and requires minimal clean-up—just one pot!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will make sure your dish cooks evenly once it goes in the oven. While that’s heating, grab a large ovenproof skillet or casserole dish. Add the olive oil and put it on the stove over medium-high heat.
2. Sauté the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano (or Italian seasoning), and a bit of salt and pepper. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned but not cooked all the way through.
3. Add the Veggies:
Next, toss in your sliced zucchini and yellow squash. Give everything a good stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the veggies start to soften up a little.
4. Mix in the Rice:
Now, it’s time to stir in the rinsed rice. Make sure the rice is combined well with the chicken and veggies.
5. Add the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and stir again to combine everything. This is where all the flavors come together!
6. Cheese it Up:
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese evenly over the mixture. Who doesn’t love a little cheesy goodness?
7. Bake it:
Cover the dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil to trap the steam and bake it in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. This will cook the rice and finish cooking the chicken!
8. Finish with More Cheese:
After 25 minutes, remove the cover and sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top. Pop it back in the oven uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes. You want the cheese to get bubbly and slightly golden on top!
9. Let it Rest:
Once it’s ready, take it out of the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will help everything set a bit.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves and, if you like, a sprinkle of black sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning for a little extra crunch.
11. Enjoy:
Your one-pot cheesy zucchini chicken and rice is ready! Serve warm and enjoy every comforting bite!
This recipe is super flexible: feel free to swap the chicken for thighs or use tenders, add additional veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers, and try out different cheese types for varying flavor profiles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice! However, brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Use 2 1/2 cups of broth and increase the baking time to about 40-45 minutes covered. Just make sure to check that it’s fully cooked before serving!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with a protein like chickpeas or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add in extra vegetables for fiber and flavor, and keep everything else the same!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.
What Can I Substitute for Cheese?
If you want to skip the cheese or need a dairy-free option, you can use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or a dairy-free cheese substitute. You can also add more vegetables for flavor and bulk if you’re avoiding cheese!