This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a light, nutritious, and delicious one-pan meal perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Juicy chicken pieces, tender zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onion are tossed with fragrant Mediterranean herbs and baked under a golden, cheesy topping. Plus, it’s gluten-free, low-carb, and comes together in just 40 minutes!
Ingredients
For the Chicken & 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Mediterranean Seasoning:
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Topping:
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or feta for a Mediterranean twist)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Season Chicken & Veggies: In a large bowl, combine chicken, zucchini, tomatoes, red onion, and garlic. Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle Mediterranean seasoning. Toss until evenly coated.
- Assemble Bake: Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly and chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Pair with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Expert Tips
- Cut vegetables evenly for uniform cooking.
- Use fresh herbs if possible to boost flavor.
- Avoid overbaking to keep chicken juicy.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave in intervals.
- Freeze: Freeze in a suitable container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
Variations
- Swap mozzarella for feta or use dairy-free cheese.
- Add veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Boost heat with extra red pepper flakes or harissa sauce.
Enjoy this flavorful, easy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake any night of the week! Perfect for a wholesome dinner that’s simple to prepare and packed with vibrant flavors.