Looking for a delicious and healthy meal that’s perfect for a busy evening? You’re in the right place! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s not only flavorful but also quick and easy to prepare—Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake. This dish is a perfect blend of juicy chicken, tender zucchini, and vibrant Mediterranean spices that will make your taste buds dance. Plus, it’s a great option for quick family dinners or weeknight meals when you’re short on time but still want something satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy evenings
- Packed with healthy, wholesome ingredients
- Flavorful Mediterranean spices that elevate the dish
- One-pan meal that’s easy to clean up
- Customizable to suit your dietary preferences
- Great for meal prep or leftovers
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake:
- 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
- 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)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or feta for a Mediterranean touch)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s walk through the steps to make this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- In a large bowl, toss together the chicken, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and garlic with olive oil and Mediterranean seasoning. Mix well to evenly coat everything with the spices.
- Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through (165°F/75°C internal temperature).
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some tips to make this recipe even better:
- Customize the spices: If you prefer a bit of heat, add more red pepper flakes. For a smokier flavor, add a bit more smoked paprika.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley, oregano, or basil can add a bright, fresh flavor to the dish.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking dish: Make sure the chicken and vegetables have enough space to cook evenly. If needed, use a larger baking dish.
- Let it rest: After baking, let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices to redistribute and the cheese to set.
How to Serve
This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a complete meal on its own, but you can also pair it with some delicious sides for a well-rounded dinner. Here are some ideas:
- Rice or quinoa: A simple side of rice or quinoa pairs perfectly with the flavorful chicken and vegetables.
- Crusty bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread to mop up the juices.
- Salad: A fresh green salad or a Mediterranean-style salad with olives, cucumbers, and feta cheese would complement the dish nicely.
- Roasted potatoes: If you want a heartier meal, add some roasted potatoes to the baking dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s great for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how you can make it ahead or store it:
- Make ahead: Prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
- Refrigerate: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
- Freeze: While the dish is best fresh, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.
There you have it—a delicious, healthy, and easy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake that’s perfect for quick family dinners or weeknight meals. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments below! If you’re looking for more zucchini-based recipes, be sure to check out my Zucchini Schinken Auflauf and Zucchini Scarpaccia recipes. Happy cooking!
Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake – Healthy, Flavorful & Easy!
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Toss chicken, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and garlic with olive oil and Mediterranean seasoning in a large bowl. Mix well to coat evenly.
- Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through (165°F/75°C internal temperature).
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Pair with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread for a complete meal!