Get ready to fall in love with a dish that is light, nutritious, and absolutely packed with flavor. This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is the ultimate one-pan meal, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or for healthy meal prepping. It features juicy, bite-sized pieces of chicken, tender zucchini, sweet cherry tomatoes, and a savory blend of Mediterranean herbs, all baked to perfection under a golden, bubbly layer of cheese. It’s a naturally gluten-free and low-carb meal that is as easy to make as it is delicious.
Why This is the Perfect Healthy Dinner
This recipe is a game-changer for easy, flavorful, and healthy eating. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- A True One-Pan Meal: All the ingredients cook together in a single baking dish, which means minimal prep and incredibly easy cleanup.
- Packed with Mediterranean Flavor: The simple combination of oregano, basil, and smoked paprika creates a wonderfully aromatic and savory flavor profile that transports you to the Mediterranean.
- Healthy and Satisfying: Loaded with lean protein and fresh vegetables, this is a guilt-free meal that will leave you feeling full and energized.
- Incredibly Quick to Assemble: The hands-on prep time is just a few minutes. After that, your oven does all the work!
Your Simple Ingredient Checklist
This recipe uses a handful of fresh ingredients and pantry staples to create its signature flavor.
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 a red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Mediterranean Seasoning:
- 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 a little heat)
For the Topping:
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Get ready for the easiest, most flavorful bake you’ve ever made.
Part 1: Prepare and Season
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Combine and Season: In a large bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces, sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and minced garlic. Drizzle with the olive oil. In a small bowl, mix together all the Mediterranean seasonings (oregano, basil, paprika, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes).
- Toss to Coat: Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the chicken and vegetables and toss everything together until it is all evenly coated.
Part 2: Assemble and Bake
- Arrange in Dish: Spread the seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue to bake for another 10-15 minutes. The dish is done when the cheese is golden and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through (reaches an internal temperature of 165°F/75°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Let the bake rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What should I serve with this Chicken Zucchini Bake? This dish is fantastic on its own for a low-carb meal. It also pairs beautifully with a side of fluffy white or brown rice, quinoa, or a piece of crusty bread to soak up the delicious pan juices.
2. Can I use a different kind of cheese? Absolutely! For a more authentic Mediterranean flavor, you can substitute the mozzarella cheese with an equal amount of crumbled feta cheese. Add the feta during the last 10-15 minutes of baking (when you remove the foil).
3. Is this recipe good for meal prep? Yes, this is a perfect meal prep recipe! You can bake the entire dish ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave for an easy and healthy lunch or dinner.
4. Can I add other vegetables to this bake? This recipe is very versatile. Feel free to add other vegetables that cook at a similar rate. Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas would all be delicious and healthy additions.
Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Equipment
- Oven preheated to 375°F
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls for combining chicken and seasonings
- foil to cover dish during first bake
Ingredients
- 2 breasts boneless, skinless chicken, 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
- 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)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and garlic. Drizzle with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, mix oregano, basil, paprika, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Sprinkle over chicken and vegetables. Toss to coat evenly.
- Spread mixture evenly into prepared baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until cheese is golden and chicken reaches 165°F.
- Let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.