Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a healthy and flavorful one-dish meal featuring tender chicken breast pieces baked with fresh zucchinis, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and garlic, seasoned with classic Mediterranean herbs and spices, then topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s an easy, wholesome recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner, offering a delightful balance of protein and vegetables with a Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients
Units
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
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Mediterranean Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Topping
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or feta for a Mediterranean touch)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and help with even cooking.
- 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. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle all the Mediterranean seasoning ingredients on top. Toss thoroughly to evenly coat the mixture with the herbs, spices, and oil.
- Assemble the Bake: Spread the seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish to ensure even cooking. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top to add a rich, melty layer.
- Bake the Dish: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. This initial covered baking steams the ingredients and begins cooking the chicken gently. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly and the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Serve & Enjoy: Once baked, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm, optionally paired with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Notes
- Cut vegetables evenly to ensure they cook uniformly without some pieces becoming mushy or others remaining undercooked.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley when possible to enhance the Mediterranean flavors and add brightness to the dish.
- Don’t overbake the dish to prevent the chicken from drying out. Monitor the internal temperature using a meat thermometer for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
