Best Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe
This Best Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a delightful and healthy one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breast pieces baked with fresh zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and a vibrant blend of Mediterranean herbs and spices. Topped with a savory mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, it offers a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and flavorful cheese, making it an ideal dish for a wholesome lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken & Vegetables:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Mediterranean Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Topping:
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or feta for a Mediterranean touch)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the dish evenly.
- Prepare Chicken and Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces, sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and minced garlic.
- Season the Mixture: Add the olive oil and sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss everything thoroughly to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly with the seasoning and oil.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture in an even layer inside a greased or lined baking dish to allow for uniform cooking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella (or feta) and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and vegetables.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, the vegetables are tender, and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of couscous, rice, or fresh bread.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella with crumbled feta for a more authentic Mediterranean flavor.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or eggplant to enhance the dish.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To keep it low-carb, omit any starchy side dishes when serving.
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken bake, zucchini chicken recipe, healthy chicken casserole, baked chicken with vegetables, easy Mediterranean dinner