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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and help with even cooking.
- 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.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Spread the seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer for uniform cooking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and vegetables for a rich, savory finish.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
