Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake – Healthy, Flavorful & Easy! Recipe

Introduction

This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a healthy and flavorful dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare. Packed with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and melty cheese, it makes a perfect weeknight dinner that feels special without any fuss.

Ingredients

• 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
• 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)
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or feta)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
3. Step 3: Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
4. Step 4: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
5. Step 5: Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Step 6: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Let the chicken rest a few minutes before serving for juicier bites.

Tips & Variations

• Try swapping mozzarella for feta cheese to add a tangy Mediterranean twist.
• Add sliced olives or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth and flavor.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer taste and more tender texture.
• If you like it spicier, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To preserve the best texture, reheat covered with foil in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese or substitute with your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake – Healthy, Flavorful & Easy! Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 250 reviews

This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts baked with fresh zucchinis, cherry tomatoes, and aromatic Mediterranean herbs, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a comforting and nutritious meal.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and 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

Seasoning and Cheese

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 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)
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or feta)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the dish evenly.
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and add extra flavor.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the chicken pieces, sliced zucchinis, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and minced garlic with olive oil and the Mediterranean seasoning including oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes until everything is evenly coated.
4. Arrange in Dish: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to allow for even cooking of the chicken and vegetables.
5. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the mixture to create a deliciously cheesy crust.
6. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to let the chicken cook through and the flavors meld.
7. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure safety and juiciness.
8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the baked dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor, then serve warm for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

• Let the chicken rest a few minutes before serving to enhance juiciness and flavor.
• Adjust seasoning according to taste preferences, especially the salt and red pepper flakes for desired spiciness.
• Substitute mozzarella with feta cheese for a tangier Mediterranean flavor.
• Use fresh herbs if available for an even brighter taste.

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, zucchini bake, healthy chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, baked chicken with vegetables, mozzarella chicken bake