Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a flavorful and healthy one-pan dish featuring tender chicken breasts, fresh zucchinis, cherry tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic Mediterranean spices, all baked to perfection with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s a simple, wholesome meal perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 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
Seasonings and Cheese
- 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)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or feta)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Toss Chicken and Vegetables with Seasonings: In a large bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces, sliced zucchinis, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and minced garlic. Drizzle the olive oil and sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Toss everything well to evenly coat all ingredients with the seasoning and oil.
- Arrange in Baking Dish and Add Cheese: Spread the seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture evenly across the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top for a melty, golden crust.
- Bake Covered and Then Uncovered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling, and the chicken is cooked through with no pink inside.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and sprinkle it with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm as a satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute feta cheese for mozzarella for a tangier flavor.
- If you like it spicier, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through by checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- You can add other Mediterranean vegetables like bell peppers or eggplant for variety.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add an extra 5 minutes to cooking time if baked straight from cold.
