Savory Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Savory Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a delicious and easy one-pan meal bursting with fresh flavors. Tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and melted cheese come together for a comforting dish perfect for any weeknight dinner.

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 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 mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
6. Step 6: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
7. Step 7: Remove 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

• Swap mozzarella for crumbled feta to add a tangy Mediterranean twist.
• Add sliced olives or artichoke hearts for extra Mediterranean flavor.
• Use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
• For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through or microwave on medium power until hot. This bake 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 frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken to ensure even cooking. Using frozen chicken could result in unevenly cooked meat.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or eggplant for a delicious vegetarian bake.

Savory Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 76 reviews

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

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Description

A flavorful and easy-to-make Savory Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake featuring tender chicken breasts combined with fresh zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and aromatic Mediterranean herbs, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a comforting and healthy dinner option.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings & 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

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or feta)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken and vegetables evenly.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and help with even cooking.
3. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces, sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and minced garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Toss everything together until well coated with seasoning.
4. Arrange in Baking Dish: Spread the seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer for uniform cooking.
5. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and vegetables for a rich, savory finish.
6. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to begin cooking and vegetables to soften.
7. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the baked dish for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve warm and enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Notes

• You can substitute feta cheese for mozzarella if preferred for a more traditional Mediterranean flavor.
• For a spicier bake, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Ensure the chicken is cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Pair with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken bake, zucchini chicken casserole, baked chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner, Mediterranean diet recipe, zucchini bake, easy chicken dinner