Are you looking for a healthy, flavorful dinner that you can whip up in no time? Well, look no further! I’m excited to share my Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake recipe with you. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with fresh vegetables and cheese, making it a perfect choice for quick family dinners. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes! If you’re a fan of easy pasta recipes, you’ll love how this bake complements your weeknight dinner ideas.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy and packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables.
- Delicious Mediterranean flavors that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile – pair it with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers!
Ingredients
To make this delightful Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 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)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s dive into the steps to create this mouthwatering dish:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- In a large bowl, toss 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.
- Pair with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread for a complete meal!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake turns out perfectly:
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, don’t skip the red pepper flakes!
- For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.
- Make sure to cut your chicken and vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking.
- For a fun twist, try using different cheeses like goat cheese or a blend of Italian cheeses.
How to Serve
This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is incredibly versatile! Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve it alongside a fresh garden salad for a light meal.
- Pair it with garlic herb roasted veggies for a colorful plate.
- For a heartier option, serve it over a bed of quinoa or brown rice.
- Don’t forget some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices!
Make Ahead and Storage
This dish is perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store it:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
- You can also freeze the bake for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
- To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake until heated through.
So, what’s for dinner tonight? I hope you give this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake a try! It’s a fantastic option for quick easy dinners for family and a delightful way to enjoy healthy ingredients. If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out my Mediterranean Spinach and Feta Cheese Crisps or Cheesy Broccoli Bites for more delicious recipes. Happy cooking!
Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake – Healthy, Flavorful & Easy!
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchinis sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ red onion red onion thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Seasonings & Oils
- 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
Cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese or feta for a Mediterranean touch
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Toss chicken, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, and spices in a bowl.
- Spread mixture in the dish, top with cheeses, cover with foil, and bake 20 minutes.
- Remove foil, bake 10-15 minutes until golden and chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.