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Baked Tex Mex chicken and zucchini casserole topped with melted cheese and herbs on a rustic pan. 2

Tex Mex Chicken and Zucchini Bake Healthy Dinner Idea


  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A colorful, low-carb Tex Mex casserole with lean chicken, zucchini, peppers, black beans, and melty cheese—easy, high-protein, and weeknight-friendly.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.52 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 medium zucchini, halved and sliced
  • 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, optional)
  • 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/21 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for serving
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • Nonstick spray or a little oil for the baking dish

  • Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

    2. In a bowl, toss chicken with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and half the olive oil.

    3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add remaining oil and sear chicken 4–5 minutes, stirring, until lightly browned (not fully cooked). Transfer to a plate.

    4. In the same skillet, sauté onion and bell peppers 3 minutes. Add zucchini and cook 2–3 minutes more.

    5. Stir in black beans, corn (if using), and drained tomatoes; simmer 2 minutes to combine and reduce excess liquid. Adjust salt to taste.

    6. Layer half of the veggie mixture in the prepared dish, then spread the chicken over it, and top with the remaining veggies.

    7. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

    8. Rest 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges. Add salsa, avocado, or Greek yogurt if desired.

    • Prep Time: 20 minutes
    • Cook Time: 25 minutes

    Nutrition

    • Calories: 340 kcal
    • Sodium: 480 mg
    • Fat: 14 g
    • Carbohydrates: 12 g
    • Protein: 36 g