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Flavorful & Easy! Recipe

Flavorful & Easy! Recipe

5 from 23 reviews

This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts baked with fresh zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Vegetables

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings & Oils

  • Olive oil, for greasing and drizzling
  • 2 tablespoons 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 & Garnish

  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the chicken and vegetables evenly.
  2. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and add flavor.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces if preferred), sliced zucchinis, cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and minced garlic.
  4. Add Seasonings and Oil: Drizzle the mixture with olive oil, then sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix everything thoroughly to coat ingredients evenly.
  5. Spread in Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture and spread it out evenly in the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer for even cooking.
  6. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and vegetables.
  7. Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to allow the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld.
  8. Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
  9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, then serve hot.

Notes

  • For even cooking, cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces before mixing with vegetables.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit for no spice.
  • Feel free to substitute mozzarella with a low-fat cheese option for a lighter dish.
  • This dish can be prepared a day ahead; store in the refrigerator and bake when ready.
  • Use fresh herbs like oregano and basil for an even brighter Mediterranean flavor if available.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken bake, healthy chicken recipe, zucchini chicken casserole, easy chicken dinner, baked chicken with vegetables