Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake – Healthy, Flavorful & Easy Recipe

Introduction

This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a healthy and flavorful one-dish meal that’s simple to prepare. Packed with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a blend of aromatic herbs, it’s perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.

The image shows a baked dish in a white rectangular baking dish, consisting of three main layers. The bottom layer has cooked white chicken pieces, slightly visible around the edges. The middle layer consists of round slices of green zucchini placed evenly, partially covering the chicken. On top of these are halved cherry tomatoes scattered across the dish. A melted, golden cheese layer covers the dish, bubbling and browning lightly in spots, with some small green herbs sprinkled on top for garnish. The dish rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 medium zucchinis
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • ½ red onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • Olive oil
  • 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 for garnish

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Step 2: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
  3. Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces), sliced zucchinis, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, and minced garlic.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle the mixture with olive oil and add dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well to evenly coat everything.
  5. Step 5: Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
  7. Step 7: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  8. Step 8: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
  9. Step 9: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • Use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
  • Add sliced bell peppers or olives for extra Mediterranean flavor.
  • For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
  • Serve over couscous, quinoa, or alongside crusty bread for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the melted cheese texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a baking dish filled with a layered baked meal. At the bottom, there are green zucchini slices arranged across the dish. On top of the zucchini, there are pieces of cooked chicken with a creamy white cheese sauce melted over them, creating a bubbly golden-brown crust. Bright red halved cherry tomatoes with slightly charred edges are scattered throughout the dish. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled over everything, adding a fresh touch. The baking dish is white and sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bake a few hours before cooking. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

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


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

Description

This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a healthy and flavorful one-dish meal combining tender chicken breasts, fresh zucchinis, cherry tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, it’s easy to prepare and perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Toppings

  • Olive oil, for greasing and drizzling (about 2-3 tablespoons)
  • 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 (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: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and add a subtle flavor.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the boneless chicken breasts, sliced zucchinis, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and minced garlic.
  4. Add Seasonings: Drizzle olive oil over the mixture, then sprinkle in dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Toss everything well to coat the chicken and vegetables thoroughly with the olive oil and spices.
  5. Arrange in Dish: Spread the seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer for consistent cooking.
  6. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the top of the mixture with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses to create a flavorful, cheesy crust as it bakes.
  7. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes to allow the chicken and vegetables to cook through and flavors to meld.
  8. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is golden brown, bubbly, and slightly crisp on top.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Take the dish out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a bright, fresh finish, and serve warm.

Notes

  • For thicker chicken breasts, consider slicing them in half horizontally for more even cooking.
  • If you prefer spicier dishes, increase the red pepper flakes or add chopped fresh chili.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • This dish pairs well with a side of whole grain bread or a light Greek salad.
  • To make this recipe gluten free, ensure the cheese used is certified gluten free.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

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

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