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Serving of chicken zucchini Italian skillet in white bowl with parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Cheesy Italian Chicken Zucchini Skillet

Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

Chicken + Seasonings:

  • 1 ½ to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, tenders or thighs, cut into 1/2 to 1-inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce:

  • 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups (16 to 18 ounces) small-diced zucchini, about 2 to 3 small/medium zucchini
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano

Cheesy Panko Topping:

  • 1 to 1 ½ cups freshly grated mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions 

  • In a small bowl, toss together the chicken, salt, basil, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, and pepper.
  • In an oven-proof 12-inch deep skillet (use an oven-proof wide saucepan or pot if you don't have a deep skillet), heat the olive oil over medium heat until rippling and hot. Add the chicken and let it cook without stirring for a minute or so. Flip and cook for another 30 to 45 seconds (it will continue cooking in the next steps).
  • Add the crushed tomatoes, zucchini, soy sauce, brown sugar, basil and oregano. Stir, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the skillet, and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the zucchini is just tender. Add additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed!
  • Remove the skillet from the heat. Move an oven rack to the top third of the oven and preheat the broiler to high.
  • In a small bowl, stir together the panko and melted butter until evenly combined. Add the Parmesan cheese and toss to combine.
  • Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the chicken zucchini mixture. Spread the panko/Parmesan mixture evenly over the top. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes until the topping is golden. Watch closely so it doesn't burn!
  • Serve warm.

Notes

This meal is delicious served on it's own. You could also serve over pasta or serve with breadsticks.