Name: Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 medium zucchinis sliced into half-moons; 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved; 0.5 red onion thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil plus extra for greasing dish; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 0.5 teaspoon dried basil; 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon black pepper; 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat; 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or feta for mediterranean touch; 0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

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Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a beautiful combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs baked to perfection. The succulent bite-sized chicken pieces harmonize beautifully with the fresh zucchini, juicy cherry tomatoes, and sweet red onion. Topped with a deliciously gooey melted cheese crust, this dish brings a delightful medley of flavors to your table, creating a comforting yet elegant meal. It’s the kind of recipe that doesn’t just fill your stomach but also satisfies your soul.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake

I first discovered this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake during one of those hectic weeknights where I craved something healthy yet satisfying. As I rummaged through my fridge, the zucchini and cherry tomatoes were begging to be used. What started as a simple dinner evolved into a family favorite that I now share with friends at gatherings. It’s easy to whip up, absolutely delicious, and it looks gorgeous when served. Trust me, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to keep on repeat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Just 15 minutes of prep means you can get this flavorful dish on your table in about an hour!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic, oregano, and smoked paprika brings a warm, savory experience with every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This vibrant dish is not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes with its colorful veggies and golden cheese topping.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a cozy dinner, but equally delightful for meal prep or a gathering with friends.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily make it gluten-free or dairy-free with simple ingredient swaps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces; the chicken provides lean protein to keep you satisfied without feeling heavy.
2 medium zucchinis: Sliced into half-moons; zucchini adds a nutritious touch and a slight crunch to balance the textures.
1 cup cherry tomatoes: Halved; their sweetness enhances the overall flavor while providing a juicy burst in each bite.
0.5 red onion: Thinly sliced; adds a mild, caramelized sweetness when cooked.
2 cloves garlic: Minced; garlic elevates the dish with its aromatic flavor, infusing every part of the bake.
2 tablespoons olive oil: This helps to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly, bringing extra richness to the dish.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic herb in Mediterranean cuisine, it adds earthiness and depth of flavor.
0.5 teaspoon dried basil: This provides a hint of sweetness and combines beautifully with the other herbs.
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a mild smokiness for a little extra character in the dish.
0.5 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing flavors; consider sea salt for a little crunch.
0.25 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is best for a pop of warmth.
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Optional for those who enjoy a little kick; adjust according to your spice preference.
0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: This ooey-gooey cheese creates that luscious, melty top layer.
0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the mozzarella perfectly.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley: Chopped for garnish; it brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh finish.

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake

Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a hot environment for baking and helps achieve that deliciously golden crust. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a splash of olive oil to keep everything from sticking.

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces, sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, and minced garlic. You’re creating a colorful mixture that will tantalize the taste buds!

Season Generously: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken and the vegetable mixture. Then, add the dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Toss everything together with your hands, ensuring each piece is well-coated with oil and spices. This step infuses all the flavors evenly throughout.

Spread Mixture: Pour the seasoned chicken and vegetable medley into the prepared baking dish. Make sure to spread it out evenly so that everything can cook uniformly, creating a perfect base for the cheese.

Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese generously over the top of the chicken and vegetables. This cheesy layer is essential for that comforting finish!

Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This steamy environment helps the chicken cook through and keeps the zucchini tender.

Uncover & Finish Baking: After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil, allowing the magic of the cheese to bubble and brown. Continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!

Rest & Garnish: Once you’ve pulled it out of the oven, let the dish rest for about 5 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to settle beautifully. Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a festive touch.

Serve Warm: Enjoy your Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake while it’s warm! This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, pita bread, or even a fresh salad to round out the meal.

Storing & Reheating

You can store leftovers at room temperature for about 2 hours, but for longer preservation, keep them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To freeze, transfer to a freezer-safe container, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. Just remember, the texture may change a bit after freezing, so a drizzle of olive oil can help revive it when reheating.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Overcooking: Make sure to check the chicken’s internal temperature; overcooking can cause dryness.
Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, let the chicken sit out for about 20 minutes to approach room temperature before mixing.
Timing: If your zucchini is particularly large, consider salting and draining it to avoid excess moisture, which can make the bake soupy.
Experiment With Veggies: Feel free to swap in other seasonal vegetables, like bell peppers or baby spinach, to switch things up!
Cheddar Option: If mozzarella isn’t your thing, feel free to use sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor.

Enjoy your delightful Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake, and discover how such simple ingredients can create a delicious and satisfying dinner. This recipe is versatile, simple, and bursting with flavor, making it the ideal addition to your weekly meal rotation. Don’t hesitate to customize it to your taste, and invite your friends and family to share in the joy of a freshly baked dish. Happy cooking!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture in advance, place it in the greased baking dish, then cover and refrigerate it for up to a day. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be going into the oven chilled.

What can I serve with Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad, quinoa, or some warm pita bread. You can also enjoy it straight out of the baking dish for a comforting one-dish meal!

Can I use other cheeses instead of mozzarella and parmesan?

Certainly! You can mix it up with your favorite cheeses. Feta adds a nice Mediterranean touch, or experiment with gouda or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.

How can I customize this recipe for my diet?

This recipe is incredibly adaptable! For a gluten-free option, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free as written. To make it dairy-free, substitute the cheeses with a dairy-free blend or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

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Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mediterranean

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Description

This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake combines juicy chicken and fresh vegetables, making it a perfect quick dinner. With melted cheese and vibrant flavors, it’s an easy, wholesome dish for any night.

Ingredients

Scale

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
2 medium zucchinis sliced into half-moons
1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
0.5 red onion thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic minced
2 tablespoons olive oil plus extra for greasing dish
1 teaspoon dried oregano
0.5 teaspoon dried basil
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or feta for mediterranean touch
0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
In a large bowl, mix chicken pieces, sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, red onion, and minced garlic.
Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the mixture. Add oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
Spread the mixed chicken and vegetables in the greased baking dish evenly.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve warm with rice, quinoa, pita, or a fresh salad.

Notes

Feel free to substitute mozzarella with feta cheese for a more authentic Mediterranean taste.
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.