Description
A delicious and healthy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake featuring tender chicken breasts, fresh zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and aromatic Mediterranean spices, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick, flavorful, and nutritious dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & 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
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Mediterranean Seasoning
- 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)
Topping
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or feta for a Mediterranean touch)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Season the Chicken & Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces, sliced zucchinis, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and minced garlic. Add the olive oil and Mediterranean seasoning (oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes). Toss everything well to ensure even coating of the spices and oil.
- Assemble the Bake: Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake the Dish: Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes to allow the chicken to cook and vegetables to soften. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Serve & Enjoy: Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm, accompanied by rice, quinoa, or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella with feta cheese for a stronger Mediterranean flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference or omit for milder taste.
- Cooking times may vary depending on oven; always ensure chicken is fully cooked with a meat thermometer.
- 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
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, zucchini bake, healthy chicken recipes, oven-baked chicken, Mediterranean diet, low fat dinner, easy chicken bake
