Best Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe
This Best Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a flavorful and wholesome one-dish meal featuring tender chicken breasts baked with fresh zucchinis, cherry tomatoes, and red onions, all seasoned with classic Mediterranean herbs and spices. Topped with a melty blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and garnished with fresh parsley, this dish is perfect for a healthy, satisfying dinner that pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
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
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Mediterranean Seasoning:
- 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, for heat)
For the Topping:
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or feta for a Mediterranean touch)
- ¼ 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 prepare it for assembling the bake.
- 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 olive oil and sprinkle in the Mediterranean seasoning blend — oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure even coating of oil and spices.
- Assemble the Bake: Spread the seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top to create a delicious cheesy crust.
- Bake the Dish: Cover the baking dish with foil to keep moisture in and bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese turns golden brown and bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Serve & Enjoy: Garnish the baked chicken and vegetables with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm, pairing with your choice of rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to make it a hearty complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella with feta cheese for a more authentic Mediterranean flavor.
- To keep this dish gluten-free, serve with quinoa or naturally gluten-free grains instead of bread.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through safely.
- Adding red pepper flakes is optional but recommended if you enjoy a bit of heat.
- Leftover bake can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken bake, chicken zucchini bake, baked chicken recipes, healthy chicken casserole, Mediterranean diet chicken, easy chicken dinner
