Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Looking for a hearty yet healthy meal that checks all the boxes? The Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is here to fulfill those cravings! This delightful dish features tender chicken and vibrant vegetables, all baked together in a warm embrace infused with irresistible Mediterranean flavors. Each bite provides a satisfying combination of the juicy chicken, crunchy zucchini, and sweet tomatoes, topped with bubbling cheese that creates a comforting crust. It’s the perfect dinner choice, as it’s nutritious and delightful without any fuss.
Table of Contents
I first discovered this recipe on a busy weeknight when I needed something quick yet wholesome to serve my family. The blend of seasonings and fresh ingredients creates an explosion of flavors, reminding me of dining along the sunny Mediterranean coast. What I love most is its versatility; you can tweak the veggies or cheese to suit your taste, making it endlessly recreatable. Trust me, after one serving of this dish, you’ll be eager for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in about an hour.
- Irresistible Flavor: A mouthwatering combination of spices and fresh vegetables make each bite a flavor sensation.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of the ingredients create a stunning dish that looks almost too good to eat.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy gatherings with friends.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, this lean protein forms the heart of your dish.
- 2 medium zucchinis: Sliced into half-moons, they add a lovely crunch and supply valuable nutrients.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes: Halved for sweetness, these little gems burst with flavor and color.
- 0.5 red onion: Thinly sliced, the onion adds an aromatic sweetness that beautifully complements the chicken.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced to infuse your meal with a fragrant, savory depth.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: A healthy fat perfect for enhancing flavors; use extra for greasing the dish.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: This classic Mediterranean herb adds a warm, earthy note.
- 0.5 teaspoon dried basil: A touch of sweetness that pairs well with the chicken and vegetables.
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika: Introduces a smoky, subtle heat that takes the flavor to another level.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of all ingredients.
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper: Just the right amount to add warmth without overpowering.
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Optional for those who enjoy a hint of heat.
- 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or feta: Either cheese melts beautifully, adding that indulgent, creamy finish.
- 0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese: For a salty, nutty flavor that balances everything perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley: Chopped for a refreshing garnish that adds a pop of color.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Don’t forget to lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish using a bit of olive oil, enabling easy removal of this delicious dish at the end.
Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the chicken pieces, sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and minced garlic. This colorful medley shows a beautiful array of nutrients and textures.
Season it up: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over your vibrant mixture. Then add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 0.5 teaspoon of dried basil, 0.5 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 0.5 teaspoon of salt, 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper, and if you like it spicy, 0.25 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly, ensuring every piece gets nicely coated.
Arrange in the baking dish: Spread the seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture evenly into your greased baking dish, making sure it’s all well-distributed and looks inviting.
Add the cheese: Generously sprinkle 0.5 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese (or feta if you’re feeling adventurous) and 0.25 cup of grated parmesan on top. This cheesy layer will melt into a golden blanket, adding their creamy richness to the dish.
Cover and bake: Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. This step allows everything to steam together, locking in flavors and moisture.
Finish baking: After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue to bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is gurgling hot and golden, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Rest and serve: Once baked, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Drizzle with chopped fresh parsley for that finishing touch.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, freeze the Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Note that while freezing is a great option, the texture of the zucchini may soften slightly upon reheating.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the chicken; it can dry out. Always check for doneness using a meat thermometer.
- Fresh zucchini cooks quickly, so slice them evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Feel free to swap vegetables; bell peppers or eggplant work great if you want a different twist.
- If using leftover chicken, reduce baking time since the chicken will already be cooked through.
- Experiment with different cheeses! If you adore goat cheese, give that a try for a tangy twist.
This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake not only makes for a delightful dinner but is also a canvas for creativity. Whether you need a dish for a cozy family evening or are prepping for week’s lunches, this recipe delights with its flavors and ease.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use substitutions for the chicken?
Absolutely! You can swap chicken with turkey or even chickpeas for a plant-based option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—chickpeas will require less time.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare everything up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready, simply bake it as directed.
How do leftovers taste the next day?
Leftovers maintain their flavor surprisingly well! Just be aware that the zucchini may become softer, but it still tastes great, especially when reheated.
What can I serve alongside the Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake?
You can enjoy it alongside fluffy rice, creamy quinoa, warm pita bread, or a refreshing salad for an extra crunch. Enjoy it however you like—it’s versatile!
With its simplest yet most gratifying flavors, this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy preparing it and watch it become a family favorite. Gather around the table, savor every bite, and embrace the warmth of good food!
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📖 Recipe Card
Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
Enjoy the taste of Mediterranean cuisine with this delightful Chicken Zucchini Bake. It’s packed with fresh veggies, tender chicken, and cheesy goodness, making it an ideal quick dinner or healthy meal for busy nights.
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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- In a large bowl, mix the chicken pieces, sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, and minced garlic together.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the mixture. Add oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes, then toss to coat evenly.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Top the dish with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, spreading it out evenly.
- Cover the baking dish tightly 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 the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Take it out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve warm alongside your choice of rice, quinoa, pita bread, or a fresh salad.
Notes
For added flavor, use feta cheese instead of mozzarella if you prefer a Mediterranean twist.
Feel free to substitute the vegetables with whatever you have on hand, like bell peppers or eggplants.
Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly by checking its internal temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
