Savory Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Savory Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a vibrant, healthy dish packed with fresh vegetables and warm, aromatic spices. It’s an easy one-pan meal perfect for weeknight dinners, offering a delicious blend of tender chicken, melty cheeses, and Mediterranean flavors.

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).
2. Step 2: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, toss together the chicken, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and garlic with olive oil, oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
4. Step 4: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
6. Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
7. Step 7: Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
8. Step 8: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil and spices for 30 minutes before baking.
• Swap mozzarella for crumbled feta for a tangier taste.
• Add other Mediterranean veggies like bell peppers or olives to boost color and taste.
• Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of dried for a brighter herbal note.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warm. This dish also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and can add extra juiciness. Adjust cooking time slightly as needed to ensure they are fully cooked.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It stores well and can be portioned for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Savory Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 72 reviews

This Savory Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a flavorful and wholesome one-pan dish featuring tender chicken, fresh zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and a blend of Mediterranean herbs, all topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a healthy dinner, it combines vibrant veggies and lean protein for a satisfying, easy-to-make meal.

• Author: Bella
• 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 Oils

• 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)

Cheese and Garnish

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

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking your casserole.
2. Prepare the baking dish. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and add flavor.
3. Toss ingredients together. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, zucchini slices, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and minced garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss everything until evenly coated.
4. Arrange in the baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, making sure the ingredients are well distributed.
5. Add cheese topping. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the mixture.
6. Bake covered. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through and the vegetables to soften.
7. Finish baking uncovered. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 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.
8. Garnish and serve. Once baked, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish and serve warm for a delicious and comforting meal.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetarian cheese.
• You can swap mozzarella for feta for a tangier flavor.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes for desired spiciness or omit if preferred.
• Use a meat thermometer to verify the chicken is fully cooked to 165°F (75°C).
• This dish reheats well and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Serve with a side of crusty bread or over cooked quinoa or rice for a more filling meal.

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken bake, zucchini chicken casserole, baked chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner, one-pan chicken bake