Description
Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake brings savory Mediterranean flavors right to your dinner table with minimal effort. Packed with tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and aromatic herbs, this one-pan wonder will become your new weeknight favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins & Vegetables:
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
- 2 zucchinis, medium
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- ½ red onion
- 2 garlic cloves
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Cheese & Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375°F. Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon olive oil, ensuring your surface is completely covered.
- Slice 2 chicken breasts into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Chop zucchinis into half-moon shapes about ¼-inch thick.
- Combine chicken, zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion in a large mixing bowl. Add 2 minced garlic cloves.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon basil, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper over the mixture. Drizzle remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Toss ingredients thoroughly so your seasonings coat every piece evenly and consistently.
- Transfer the seasoned mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading ingredients in a single layer for uniform cooking.
- Distribute ½ cup mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese across the top of your dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake at 375°F for exactly 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking 10-15 minutes until cheese turns golden and chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley over the bake before serving. Plate alongside rice or crusty bread.
Notes
- For a lower-carb version, replace rice or bread with cauliflower rice or a fresh green salad.
- Swap chicken breasts with thighs for a more tender, juicy texture that holds moisture during baking.
- Ensure your zucchini is sliced evenly to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy.
- Fresh herbs make a big difference, so use fresh parsley instead of dried for brighter, more vibrant flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 439 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 530 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg