Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a healthy, flavorful, and easy one-dish meal featuring tender chicken breasts, fresh zucchinis, cherry tomatoes, and Mediterranean herbs baked to perfection with a cheesy topping. It’s perfect for a nutritious family dinner or meal prep, delivering vibrant flavors with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the 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
For the 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)
For the 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 enhance flavor.
- 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 the Mediterranean seasoning ingredients—oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Toss everything well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the spices.
- Assemble the Bake: Spread the seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese uniformly over the top to create a delicious cheesy crust.
- Bake the Dish: Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes to allow the chicken and vegetables to cook through and flavors to meld. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Serve & Enjoy: Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish. Serve warm alongside your favorite rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to complete the meal and enjoy a wholesome, Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Notes
- Cut vegetables evenly to ensure uniform cooking and avoid some pieces being undercooked or overcooked.
- Use fresh herbs if possible to enhance the authentic Mediterranean flavor profile and aroma.
- Don’t overbake to keep the chicken moist and tender; monitor cheese browning and chicken temperature carefully.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
