Name: Easy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake with Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 medium zucchinis, sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ red onion, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing); 2 tablespoons 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; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s both wholesome and packed with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a true winner. It’s a perfect blend of juicy chicken breasts, tender zucchini, fresh cherry tomatoes, and a medley of herbs and cheeses that come together in a dish that’s not only healthy but also incredibly Flavorful & Easy! Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests without breaking a sweat, this recipe brings that perfect balance of simplicity and bold taste to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

These straightforward ingredients keep the prep relaxed while delivering on taste and texture. Each component plays a key role, from the tender chicken providing protein to zucchini adding freshness and the cheeses bringing that irresistible golden finish.

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that soaks up all the Mediterranean spices beautifully.
2 medium zucchinis: Adds a subtle crunch and vibrant green color, balancing the dish with lightness.
1 cup cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness bursts out when baked, enriching every bite.
½ red onion: Offers a gentle sharpness that mellows during baking, adding depth.
2 cloves garlic: Infuses the dish with a fragrant punch fundamental to Mediterranean cuisine.
Olive oil: A healthful fat that enhances flavor and keeps everything moist.
2 tablespoons dried oregano: Brings that unmistakable herbal aroma that ties the dish together.
½ teaspoon dried basil: Adds subtle sweetness and complexity.
½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Lends a smoky warmth that elevates the flavor profile.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a mild heat that complements the other spices.
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a touch of kick that wakes up your taste buds.
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into bubbly goodness, creating a luscious topping.
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, sharp contrast that makes this dish downright irresistible.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley for garnish: Provides a fresh, vibrant finishing touch that brightens the look and flavor.

How to Make Easy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake with Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Begin by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C), which is the perfect temperature to achieve that golden, bubbly cheese without drying out the chicken. Meanwhile, grease a large 9×13-inch baking dish with a generous drizzle of olive oil to make sure nothing sticks and to infuse a subtle richness from the start.

Step 2: Combine Fresh Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, place the chicken breasts, sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and minced garlic. This medley of fresh ingredients will form the heart of our bake, each bringing its unique texture and flavor nuances to create a well-rounded dish.

Step 3: Season and Toss

Drizzle everything with olive oil and sprinkle in the oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and if you like a little heat, the red pepper flakes. Mix it thoroughly but gently so every bite is infused with those classic Mediterranean flavors that make this dish a standout. The secret to Flavorful & Easy! cooking lies in these simple yet powerful seasonings.

Step 4: Layer and Cheese It Up

Spread the vibrant mixture evenly across your prepared baking dish to ensure it cooks through uniformly. Then, top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. That layer of cheese is where the magic happens — it melts and browns beautifully, creating a satisfying crust that adds melty, savory richness to each mouthful.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake it for 20 minutes to let the chicken cook gently and the vegetables soften. Then remove the foil and pop it back in for an additional 10–15 minutes. This final step crisps the cheese to a gorgeous golden-brown bubble, signaling that your Flavorful & Easy! Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is ready to enjoy.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top to bring a punch of color and freshness that complements all the rich flavors underneath perfectly. This little flourish really elevates the dish’s presentation and taste.

How to Serve Easy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake with Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is not only beautiful but adds a bright herbal note that contrasts with the baked, cheesy goodness. You could also add thin lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over the dish for a zesty finish that lifts all the flavors.

Side Dishes

This bake pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or some warm, crusty whole-grain bread that’s perfect for mopping up any delicious juices. For a heartier meal, roasted potatoes or quinoa tossed with herbs make excellent companions.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this dish straight in the baking pan for a rustic, family-style dinner, or plate it individually with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of chili flakes. For guests, presenting it alongside small bowls of olives, hummus, and pita bread turns dinner into a lovely Mediterranean feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as delightful.

Freezing

This dish freezes well. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain its great texture and taste.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain that lovely baked texture, or microwave for a quicker option, though the cheese topping might lose some crispiness. Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley again after reheating helps freshen things up.

FAQs

Can I substitute chicken breasts with thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier, so they work wonderfully in this bake. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if your thighs are bone-in or thicker.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Replace chicken with firm tofu or a mix of hearty vegetables like eggplant and bell peppers for a tasty vegetarian version that still captures those Mediterranean flavors.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Fresh herbs work beautifully and offer a brighter flavor. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried for the best balance, adding them during the mixing step.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

Regular paprika or a small pinch of cumin can be used as alternatives, though smoked paprika adds a signature warmth that’s hard to replicate exactly.

Can this dish be made gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it’s based on fresh ingredients and cheeses, so no modifications are needed to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive guests.

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is truly one of those Flavorful & Easy! dishes that feels both special and comforting at the same time. The magic lies in how straightforward ingredients and simple steps come together to create such a satisfying and nourishing meal. Give it a try tonight—your taste buds will thank you for the bright Mediterranean sunshine on your plate!

Easy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake with Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 14 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

A healthy and flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake that combines tender chicken breasts with fresh zucchinis, cherry tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking.
Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and add extra flavor.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken breasts, sliced zucchinis, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and minced garlic.
Add Seasonings: Drizzle the mixture with olive oil, then add dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix everything well to evenly coat all the ingredients.
Arrange in Dish: Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish to ensure even cooking.
Add Cheese: Top the mixture with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese for a deliciously cheesy crust.
Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to cook the chicken thoroughly and blend the flavors.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top before serving to add a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

For extra spice, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
You can substitute mozzarella with a low-fat cheese option for a lighter dish.
If zucchini is watery, pat slices dry to avoid a soggy bake.
Use fresh herbs if available for enhanced flavor.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mediterranean