Name: Best Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
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, for heat); ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or feta for a Mediterranean touch); ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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 for a Mediterranean touch)

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces, zucchini slices, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and minced garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss well to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 4: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F/75°C).

Step 5: Garnish the bake with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, try using feta cheese instead of mozzarella to enhance the Mediterranean taste.

If you prefer more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or eggplant for more variety and color.

Use bone-in chicken pieces if you prefer; just adjust the baking time accordingly to ensure doneness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen vegetables for this dish?

Yes, you can substitute fresh vegetables with frozen ones, but fresh zucchini and cherry tomatoes offer the best texture and flavor. If using frozen vegetables, thaw and drain excess water before adding them.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. This bake reheats well, making it an excellent option for meal prep lunches or dinners. Store in portion-sized containers for easy grab-and-go meals.