Low Calorie Chicken Bake for When You Need a Simple, Nourishing Dinner

Sometimes, the day winds down and you just want something straightforward and wholesome on your plate. That’s exactly what this low calorie chicken bake delivers: a comforting mix of tender chicken breasts, fresh veggies, and a subtle seasoning that feels like a little kitchen hug without weighing you down.

I remember the first time I made this dish. The kitchen smelled like a garden in late summer—herbs mingling with garlic and sweet bell peppers roasting slowly. I was a bit distracted by a phone call halfway through, so the chicken came out a touch juicier than I’d aimed for, but honestly, that made the whole thing feel even more satisfying. The tomatoes softened just right, bursting with a bit of tang, while the zucchini held a gentle snap. It wasn’t perfect, but it was exactly what I needed after a long day.

Why You’ll Love It:

• It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No elaborate steps, just honest ingredients.
• Fresh vegetables roast alongside chicken, making it a balanced meal without extra dishes.
• The seasoning is light but layered, enhancing natural flavors without overpowering.
• Great for weeknights when you want to eat well but keep dinner prep minimal.
• Because it’s low calorie, it’s a solid choice for nourishing without feeling heavy, though it’s not a flavor sacrifice.

If you’re worried about it being too plain, don’t be. The herbs and paprika add just enough personality to keep things interesting. And the chicken broth pouring in during baking helps keep everything moist, so it won’t dry out even if you get a bit distracted like I did.

Low Calorie Chicken Bake

Print Recipe

A healthy and flavorful low calorie chicken bake featuring tender chicken breasts, fresh vegetables, and a light seasoning blend, perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4

Ingredients

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4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
1 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
1 medium yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small red onion, sliced into thin wedges
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create the seasoning mixture.
Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and brush both sides evenly with the seasoning mixture.
Arrange the sliced zucchini, yellow bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and red onion around the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
Pour the low sodium chicken broth into the bottom of the baking dish to keep the chicken moist during baking.
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are tender.
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Kitchen Notes:

You don’t need fancy equipment to pull this off—just a baking dish and your oven. I usually serve it with a side of crusty bread or a light salad to round out the meal. If you want to switch things up, tossing in some mushrooms or swapping yellow bell pepper for red can bring a subtle change. Sometimes I add a splash of lemon juice before serving, but I haven’t tested all variations thoroughly, so feel free to experiment. Just keep the veggies roughly the same size so they cook evenly.

FAQ:

Can I prep this ahead? Yes, you can assemble it in the morning and pop it in the oven later. Leftovers keep well for a couple of days in the fridge.

What if I don’t have chicken broth? Water works in a pinch, but broth adds more flavor and moisture.

Is it gluten-free? Absolutely—no wheat or gluten-containing ingredients here.

Looking for a quick, light dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor? This low calorie chicken bake is waiting for you to try it tonight.