Savory Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe
This Savory Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a wholesome and delightful one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, fresh zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and aromatic Mediterranean herbs, all topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, it offers a comforting blend of flavors ideal for a healthy dinner or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
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
Seasonings 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)
Cheeses and Garnish
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or feta)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dish evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together chicken pieces, sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and minced garlic with olive oil. Add dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes, mixing until all ingredients are well combined and seasoned.
- Assemble in Dish: Spread the seasoned mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to ensure even cooking.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and vegetable mixture.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to allow the chicken to cook through and the vegetables to soften.
- Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for food safety.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to keep the chicken juicy. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- Letting the chicken rest before serving helps keep it juicy and tender.
- Lightly salting zucchini slices and letting them sit for 10-15 minutes before patting dry can reduce moisture and prevent a watery dish (optional).
- Adjust salt and spices to your preference; add extra red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Precooked chicken or rotisserie chicken can be used to save time.
- The dish holds well for meal prep and reheats nicely in the oven or microwave with a splash of water.
- For a dairy-free option, omit cheese or use nut-based cheese alternatives.
- You can freeze the dish unbaked for up to three months and bake after thawing.
