Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a delightful dish that beautifully brings together fragrant herbs, succulent chicken, and crisp zucchini. The baked chicken pieces meld perfectly with the tender vegetables, creating a dish that’s not only colorful but also bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Imagine warmth from the oven enveloping your kitchen, embodying comforting aromas that invite everyone to gather around the table.
Table of Contents
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a summer gathering, when I was tasked with creating something light yet satisfying. This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake quickly stole the show, delighting both the health-conscious and those craving delicious comfort food. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and, best of all, it emerges from the oven as a vibrant feast that can brighten anyone’s day. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this one!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep time and under an hour in the oven, you can enjoy this dish even on a busy weeknight.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of fresh vegetables and savory spices creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of zucchini and cherry tomatoes make this bake visually stunning and perfect for gatherings.
- Flexible Serving: It’s ideal for dinner but just as great for lunch the next day or even a cozy weekend meal with friends.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by checking specific ingredient labels.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Providing the main protein source, they stay juicy as they cook and absorb the flavors from the veggies and spices.
- 2 medium zucchinis: Cut into half-moons, these are not just tasty but also add a lovely texture and a boost of nutrition. Substitute with yellow squash if desired.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes: Halved for sweetness, they bring vibrant color. You can use grape tomatoes as a substitute; just ensure they’re ripe for peak flavor.
- 0.5 red onion: Thinly sliced, it contributes a nice sweetness and depth. White or yellow onions work too if you’re in a pinch.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced for an aromatic kick, garlic is a must for any Mediterranean dish. Fresh is best, but pre-minced can save time.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This adds healthy fats and helps with the roasting process. You can swap in avocado oil for a different flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A cornerstone of Mediterranean cooking, it adds an earthy flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using fresh oregano.
- 0.5 teaspoon dried basil: This herb complements the other flavors and adds a hint of sweetness. Again, fresh basil is a wonderful substitute.
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika: It adds a smoky depth to the dish, elevating the overall taste; regular paprika will work if that’s what you have.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt: Enhancing all the flavors, don’t forget to adjust this according to your taste.
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper: Just a touch of warmth to balance the dish.
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat, this is where to add a kick.
- 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top, adding creaminess. Swap it out for feta for a tangy Mediterranean touch.
- 0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese: This adds a salty richness and works beautifully in tandem with mozzarella.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley: Chopped for garnish, this gives a fresh finish to your dish.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with olive oil to ensure nothing sticks.
Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, bring together the 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces, 2 medium zucchinis sliced into half-moons, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 0.5 red onion thinly sliced, and 2 cloves minced garlic. This mixture will burst with flavor as they roast together.
Season the mix: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over your chicken and veggies. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 0.5 teaspoon of dried basil, 0.5 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 0.5 teaspoon of salt, 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper, and the optional 0.25 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Toss everything together thoroughly with your hands, making sure each piece is coated in oil and seasonings for optimum flavor.
Spread into the dish: Pour the seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure everything cooks uniformly.
Add the cheese: Evenly sprinkle the 0.5 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 0.25 cup of grated parmesan cheese on top of the chicken and vegetables. This melty goodness is what everyone will look forward to!
Cover and bake: Carefully cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes, which allows everything to steam and cook through.
Bake uncovered: After 20 minutes, it’s time to remove the foil. Continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, watching for the cheese to bubble and turn golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) – perfectly cooked!
Let it rest: Once out of the oven, allow the bake to rest for 5 minutes before diving in. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a splash of color and a touch of freshness.
Serve warm: This dish pairs wonderfully with sides like rice, quinoa, pita bread, or a refreshing salad, making it versatile for any meal occasion.
Storing & Reheating
To store leftovers, keep the Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake covered at room temperature for up to two hours. After that, transfer it to the fridge in an airtight container, where it can last for 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months; just be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Keep in mind that the texture may soften upon reheating, but a sprinkle of fresh herbs can help revive the brightness!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the chicken by using a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F (75°C).
- If your zucchinis are large, consider slicing them a bit thinner to ensure even cooking since the chicken cooks faster.
- Chopped fresh herbs can go a long way in enhancing the dish’s flavor. Try adding thyme or dill for a unique twist!
- For a make-ahead option, prep everything the night before, cover it, and let it sit in the fridge. Bake right before serving for a delightful dinner.
- Mix up the cheese! Use a blend of mozzarella and goat cheese for a creamy finish that’s simply divine.
Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a delightful balance of flavor, texture, and color that ensures dinner isn’t just a meal, but an occasion. Easy to prepare and festive on presentation, it invites you to experiment with seasonal vegetables or even different proteins. Consider adding eggplant or bell peppers for extra variety. Enjoy every mouthful and share the love around the dinner table – you won’t regret it!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use different vegetables in this bake?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute any of your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, eggplant, or even asparagus can work wonderfully. Just be mindful of their cooking times to ensure everything finishes at once.
How do I know if the chicken is done?
Using an instant-read thermometer is the best way to check! The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). The juices should run clear, and the chicken should no longer be pink inside.
Can I add more cheese?
Of course! Cheese lovers can definitely increase the amount of mozzarella or mix in different varieties, such as gouda or cheddar, to add a unique flavor. Just remember that added cheese may require a slight adjustment in cooking time.
How do I make this dish dairy-free?
To make this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake dairy-free, simply omit the cheese entirely or use a non-dairy cheese substitute that melts well. You could also enhance the flavors with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste!
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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: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake offers irresistible flavors with simple prep. Perfect for a quick dinner or healthy meal with chicken, zucchini, and melted cheese!
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) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- In a large bowl, mix chicken pieces, sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, and minced garlic.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over the mixture, then add oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly to coat everything with oil and seasonings.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly with the chicken cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve warm alongside rice, quinoa, pita bread, or a fresh salad.
Notes
Feel free to substitute chicken with turkey for a lighter option.
You can use any cheese of your choice; feta adds a nice Mediterranean touch.
For more flavor, let the mixture marinate for 30 minutes before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the dish
- Calories: 355
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
