Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a delightful dish that marries the wholesome flavors of fresh vegetables with tender chicken and ooey-gooey cheese. Imagine bite-sized pieces of juicy chicken nestled among vibrant zucchini and sweet cherry tomatoes, all smothered in melted cheese. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes, each bite bursting with freshness and Mediterranean flair. This recipe brings to mind cozy dinners at home, where comfort and simplicity unite on the dinner table.
Table of Contents
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a weeknight dinner rush when I craved something flavorful yet easy to prepare. The Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake quickly became a staple in my home, earning rave reviews from family and friends alike. With just a handful of ingredients, 15 minutes of prep time, and a one-dish clean-up, it’s perfect for busy evenings. Each serving is a combination of wholesome goodness that’s not only satisfying but also budget-friendly. I invite you to give it a try—you might just find a new favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 65 minutes, including prep and bake time—perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic, herbs, and melted cheese makes every bite a flavor party.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of zucchini, tomatoes, and golden cheese create a stunning presentation.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy it hot from the oven as a main course, or serve it as a side dish at your next gathering.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable to include gluten-free or low-carb options if desired.
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 texture. Feel free to use yellow squash as a substitute.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes: Halved for a burst of sweetness; grape tomatoes work just as well.
- 0.5 red onion: Thinly sliced, it enhances flavor and color; yellow onion can be used in a pinch.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced to give depth; fresh garlic is always recommended for the best flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Extra virgin is ideal for a fruity taste; can use avocado oil for a different profile.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A must for Mediterranean dishes; fresh oregano can also be used if available.
- 0.5 teaspoon dried basil: Provides a sweet note; substitute with Italian seasoning for variety.
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a smoky undertone that complements the dish beautifully—regular paprika works in a pinch.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt: Enhances all flavors; adjust to taste depending on your dietary restrictions.
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground makes a difference; add more if you like a bit of kick.
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Optional for heat; omit if you prefer a milder dish.
- 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully over the chicken and veggies; cheddar could be an alternative for a sharper taste.
- 0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor; you can skip if desired.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley: Chopped for garnish, it adds a fresh pop of color.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and melting of the cheese later.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil. This prevents the ingredients from sticking and helps with cleanup.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the chicken pieces, sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and minced garlic. It’s easy to do with your hands—feel free to get in there!
Dress It Up: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the mixture. Then sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Toss everything thoroughly with your hands until every piece is coated evenly; this helps to distribute the flavors.
Spread Evenly: Transfer the seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer. Make sure it’s well-distributed to ensure even cooking.
Cheesy Goodness: Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan evenly over the top. This melty combo adds the delicious richness we’re all after.
Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. This helps steam the chicken, ensuring it cooks through without drying out.
Finish Baking: After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Let it bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Rest Before Serving: Once it’s out of the oven, allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes. This helps the flavors set before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for an added touch of color and flavor.
Serve Warm: Enjoy your Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake warm, perhaps alongside rice, quinoa, or a crisp salad.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers at room temperature for up to two hours before transferring them to the refrigerator, where they can be kept in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For long-term storage, you can freeze the bake for up to 3 months. When reheating, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You might notice slight changes in texture upon reheating, so a splash of olive oil can help refresh it!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid Dry Chicken: Make sure to monitor your baking time, especially if your chicken pieces are larger than recommended.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temperature chicken will cook more evenly, so consider taking it out of the fridge ahead of time.
- Chop Ahead: You can pre-chop the vegetables a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Adapt Your Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses for varied flavors. Goat cheese adds a lovely tang if you want to try something new.
- Season as You Go: Taste as you mix. Adjust the seasonings if you’d like; perhaps a little extra salt or spice to match your preferences.
Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty yet healthy. It’s a wonderful dish to experiment with—feel free to add your favorite veggies, adjust the spices, or throw in some olives for an extra Mediterranean touch. Enjoy this delightful dish with family and friends, and savor the comforting flavors it brings to your table!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this bake?
Absolutely! This recipe is highly adaptable. Bell peppers, eggplant, or spinach would all make for excellent substitutions or additions. Just make sure any new veggies are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer. Additionally, the chicken’s juices should run clear, and it shouldn’t be pink inside.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure that the cheese and any additional condiments or ingredients you may use are certified gluten-free.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
To create a dairy-free version, simply omit the cheese or use dairy-free cheeses available in stores. Nutritional yeast can be a wonderful substitute for cheese flavor without the dairy!
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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: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake combines irresistible flavors with simple preparation, making it a perfect option for a quick and healthy meal that everyone can enjoy.
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 the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Combine chicken pieces, sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, and minced garlic in a large bowl.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over the mixture, adding oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Toss to coat evenly.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving, garnishing with fresh parsley.
- Serve warm with sides such as rice, quinoa, pita bread, or a fresh salad.
Notes
You can substitute chicken with turkey or tofu for a different protein option.
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
If you prefer a bit more spice, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
