Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a healthy and flavorful one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a blend of classic Mediterranean herbs. Baked to perfection with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, it’s an easy and delicious dinner option that pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
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
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)
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) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Season the Chicken & Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, zucchini slices, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and minced garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and add the Mediterranean seasoning mixture. Toss everything well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the spices and oil.
- Assemble the Bake: Spread the seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top for a flavorful, cheesy crust.
- Bake the Dish: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Serve & Enjoy! Garnish the bake with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm. This dish goes well with sides like rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to complete the meal.
Notes
- Cut vegetables evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Use fresh herbs if available to enhance the authentic Mediterranean flavor.
- Don’t overbake to keep the chicken tender and juicy without drying it out.
