Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is an enticing fusion of flavors and textures, perfect for those cozy family dinners. This one-dish wonder brings together tender, juicy chicken and vibrant zucchini, all enveloped in a medley of spices and topped with gooey cheese. As it bakes, your kitchen fills with aromatic scents, promising a meal that’s both comforting and healthy.
Table of Contents
I still remember the first time I made this dish. It was a busy weeknight, and I craved something hearty yet wholesome. The idea of a Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake popped into my head, combining everything I loved about comforting meals with fresh ingredients straight from the Mediterranean. Not only is this recipe crowd-pleasing, but it’s also a breeze to whip up, making it perfect for both busy days and leisurely weekends. Trust me, once you try it, your taste buds will be singing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 15 minutes of prep and 50 minutes of cooking, so you can set it and forget it.
- Irresistible Flavor: Juicy chicken combines with the sweet notes of tomatoes and the fresh crunch of zucchini, all enhanced with fragrant herbs.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: With vibrant colors and melted cheese on top, this dish is not just tasty—it’s a feast for the eyes!
- Flexible Serving: Great as a weekday dinner or for entertaining guests; it pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by substituting ingredients as necessary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Cut into bite-sized pieces; the chicken is the star protein in this dish, ensuring you get that hearty flavor.
- 2 medium zucchinis – Sliced into half-moons; they add freshness and moisture, perfectly complementing the chicken.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes – Halved; these little gems bring a burst of sweetness and a vibrant splash of color.
- 0.5 red onion – Thinly sliced; the onion adds depth of flavor and a hint of sweetness as it caramelizes in the oven.
- 2 cloves garlic – Minced; this aromatic ingredient infuses the dish with robust flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Plus extra for greasing; this healthy fat aids in roasting, helping the chicken brown beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – A staple in Mediterranean cooking, it imparts a warm, earthy flavor.
- 0.5 teaspoon dried basil – Perfectly complements the other herbs for that classic Italian essence.
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika – This spice adds a subtle smokiness, elevating the dish.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt & 0.25 teaspoon black pepper – Essential for enhancing the overall flavors.
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes – Optional; they introduce a kick that can be adjusted based on your spice preference.
- 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Provides melty goodness; you could also use feta for a distinct Mediterranean twist.
- 0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty flavor and golden crust when baked.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley – Chopped; this fresh herb garnishes the dish beautifully, adding a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil—this helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the chicken pieces, sliced zucchinis, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Add in the minced garlic for that fragrant aroma.
Drizzle and Season: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over your mixture. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Use your hands to mix everything together, ensuring that the chicken and vegetables are nicely coated with the oil and seasonings.
Spread Evenly: Transfer the seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly so that everything cooks uniformly.
Add Cheese: Go ahead and sprinkle both the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top of your chicken and vegetable layer. This cheese will create that irresistible, bubbly topping.
Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together while retaining moisture.
Uncover for Golden Goodness: After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe eating.
Rest and Garnish: Once out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This waiting period allows juices to redistribute. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for that lovely touch.
Serve Warm: Serve your Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake warm, alongside rice, quinoa, pita bread, or a crisp salad for a well-rounded meal.
Storing & Reheating
If you have leftovers, let them cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container. They can stay at room temperature for a couple of hours and should be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the dish for up to 3 months in a freezer-friendly container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. The texture will change slightly, but refreshing it with a splash of olive oil can help bring back some moisture.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcrowding the baking dish; this can lead to steaming rather than roasting. If needed, use two smaller dishes.
- Let the chicken come close to room temperature before cooking; this helps it cook evenly.
- If you’re looking for more flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil and herbs for a few hours prior to cooking.
- You can toss in other veggies like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and taste.
- To cater to dietary restrictions, swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is not just another chicken dish; it’s a harmonious blend of tantalizing flavors and textures that everyone at the table will love. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering or just a cozy night in, this recipe guarantees satisfaction. With its ease and adaptability, I’m sure you’ll make it your new go-to meal.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen zucchini and cherry tomatoes. Just remember to thaw and drain any excess water to prevent a watery bake.
What side dishes pair well with Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake?
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, quinoa, or herbed rice. Additionally, warm pita bread is perfect for scooping up those delicious bites.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Simply omit the cheese or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast can also provide a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
PrintMore Main Dishes Recipes
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 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: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is bursting with flavor and fresh ingredients! A delightful mix of chicken, zucchini, and vibrant veggies, it’s an easy way to prepare a wholesome meal. Perfect for a quick dinner or a healthy meal option, this bake offers comfort and taste in every bite.
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 together the 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 optional red pepper flakes. Toss well to coat everything evenly.
- Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the mixture.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve warm alongside rice, quinoa, pita bread, or a fresh salad.
Notes
For added flavor, try marinating the chicken in olive oil and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
Feel free to substitute the vegetables based on what you have available, such as bell peppers or spinach.
This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
