Description
This Best Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a flavorful, easy-to-make one-pan dish combining tender chicken breasts with fresh zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, garlic, and a blend of Mediterranean spices. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, it’s a wholesome and comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
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 & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and help with easy cleanup.
- Season the Chicken & Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces, sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and minced garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle the Mediterranean seasoning—oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the spices and oil.
- Assemble the Bake: Spread the seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Distribute the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top to create a delicious cheesy crust.
- Bake the Dish: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Serve & Enjoy: Remove the bake from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add color and freshness, and serve warm. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to complete your Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Notes
- ✔ Cut vegetables evenly to ensure they cook uniformly and achieve the best texture.
- ✔ Use fresh herbs if possible to enhance the authentic Mediterranean flavors in the dish.
- ✔ Avoid overbaking to keep the chicken juicy and prevent the vegetables from becoming mushy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Mediterranean Chicken, Zucchini Bake, Healthy Chicken Recipe, Oven Baked Chicken, Low Fat Dinner, Mediterranean Diet
