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 delightful dish that brings together juicy chicken and vibrant vegetables baked to perfection, creating a delicious medley that’s both hearty and wholesome. Picture the alluring aroma of garlic and herbs wafting through your kitchen as the dish bakes, filling your home with warmth and inviting flavors. This recipe is perfect for a relaxing family dinner or a gathering with friends, effortlessly appealing to everyone at the table. Best of all, it’s a one-pan wonder that allows you to savor a Mediterranean feast without the fuss.

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 stumbled upon this gem while looking for a way to incorporate more vegetables into our meals, and boy, did it deliver! The combination of tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and sweet tomatoes is not only satisfying but also a fantastic option for those busy weeknights when you’re pressed for time yet still want something nutritious and comforting. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal preparation, this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is sure to become a new family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in about an hour, with just 15 minutes of hands-on prep.
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of herbs, garlic, and cheese creates a mouthwatering fusion.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Colorful vegetables and melted cheese make for a visually stunning dish.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for dinner, lunch leftovers, or even meal prep for the week!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapt it to your dietary needs – gluten-free, low-carb, or vegetarian options are simple to achieve.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. You can substitute with thighs for extra juiciness.
2 medium zucchinis: Sliced into half-moons, they add a lovely crunch and a pop of color. Yellow squash can work well too.
1 cup cherry tomatoes: Halved to keep their sweetness intact. Regular tomatoes can be diced if that’s what you have on hand.
0.5 red onion: Thinly sliced to add a mild onion flavor. White or yellow onions are great substitutes.
2 cloves garlic: Minced for that aromatic touch we all love. Adjust according to your preference for garlic.
2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing and flavor; you can use any high-quality oil, but olive oil adds a nice Mediterranean touch.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: A staple herb that brings out authentic Mediterranean flavors. Fresh oregano could be used in larger quantities.
0.5 teaspoon dried basil: Introduces a sweet, peppery flavor; feel free to use fresh basil if you have it on hand.
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds depth with a subtle smokiness. Use regular paprika if you prefer a milder flavor.
0.5 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing flavors; adjust to taste.
0.25 teaspoon black pepper: For a hint of spice and warmth.
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Optional, but adds a delightful kick if you enjoy some heat!
0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or feta: Mozzarella gives a gooey texture, while feta offers a briny tang typical of Mediterranean cuisine.
0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese: A finishing touch to enhance its richness.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley: Chopped and used as a garnish for freshness and color.

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake

Preheat: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking for your bake. While the oven warms up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the chicken pieces, sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and minced garlic. This is where the magic begins, as all those ingredients come together beautifully.

Season: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the mixture, then sprinkle in the oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Get your hands in there and toss everything thoroughly; you want every piece coated with flavor.

Spread: Carefully spread the seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture evenly in the previously greased baking dish. This ensures that every bite is packed with that delightful Mediterranean goodness.

Cheese It: Now it’s time for the cheese! Sprinkle your choice of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. This will create the beautifully bubbly and golden crown we’re all after.

Cover & Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture. Bake in your preheated oven for 20 minutes. This helps cook the chicken through without drying it out.

Uncover & Finish Baking: After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) — that’s when you know it’s done!

Rest & Garnish: Once it’s out of the oven, let the bake rest for 5 minutes. This gives the juices a chance to settle. Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Serve: Enjoy your Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake warm, alongside rice, quinoa, pita bread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Storing & Reheating

To store your Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you have leftovers, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. The texture might soften slightly upon reheating, but a splash of olive oil can revive the moisture and flavor.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Don’t overcrowd the baking dish; giving the ingredients space allows for better roasting.
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil and herbs for an hour before cooking.
Room temperature ingredients blend better, so consider bringing the chicken out of the fridge ahead of time.
If using frozen chicken, ensure it’s thawed completely before baking for even cooking.
For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with chickpeas or eggplant for substantial protein without sacrificing heartiness.
You can scale the recipe easily; just keep the same proportions for the ingredients.

There’s so much to love about this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake. It’s flavorful, budget-friendly, and allows for a healthy twist on your dinner plans. As you savor every bite, take a moment to enjoy the comforting warmth and depth of flavors. Don’t hesitate to make it your own with extra vegetables or your favorite seasonings — the sky’s the limit! Invite those around you to share in a memorable meal and let the aromas warm your kitchen and your hearts.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different vegetables in this bake?

Absolutely! This recipe is quite adaptable. Feel free to replace the zucchini with bell peppers, asparagus, or even spinach. Just adjust cooking times slightly, as firmer vegetables may need a bit longer, while softer ones may require less time.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is perfect for meal prep. You can make it in advance and portion it out for lunch or dinner throughout the week. Just reheat and enjoy the flavors all over again without the hassle of cooking every day.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Certainly! If you have frozen chicken, make sure it’s completely thawed first, as baking from frozen can lead to uneven cooking. If you’re short on time, you can quickly defrost it in the microwave, but ensure it’s thoroughly thawed before baking.

How can I elevate the flavors even more?

For additional flavor, consider marinating the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for a couple of hours before baking. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving also brightens the dish and enhances the Mediterranean feel!