Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make one-pan dinner featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a cheesy topping. Packed with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. It’s a quick, nutritious meal ready in just 40 minutes, making it a great choice for busy evenings.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Vegetables:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 medium zucchinis, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ red onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Cheese Topping:
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil. - Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken breasts, zucchini slices, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss everything to coat evenly. - Step 3: Arrange in the Baking Dish
Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. - Step 4: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken and vegetables. - Step 5: Cover and Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. - Step 6: Finish Baking
Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and the cheese is golden and bubbly. - Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Chicken Variations: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a slightly juicier and more flavorful result.
- Cheese Options: If you don’t have mozzarella or Parmesan, you can use any melty cheese like provolone or fontina for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add more Mediterranean vegetables like bell peppers, olives, or artichokes to enhance the flavors and add variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: chicken
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
