This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a colorful, healthy dish packed with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a sprinkle of cheese on top. It’s a feast for both your eyes and your tummy!
Making this bake is a breeze! I love how everything gets tossed in one dish—less mess for more yum! Plus, the leftovers are perfect for lunch. Just heat and enjoy! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this bake as they cook evenly. If you prefer, you can use thighs for more flavor or even leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds a lot of moisture and nutrition. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash works well too! You might also try eggplant for a different texture.
Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes really brighten the dish, but you can use canned diced tomatoes if that’s easier. Just drain them well to avoid extra moisture.
Cheese: Mozzarella gives the lovely meltiness, while feta adds a tangy bite. You can substitute ricotta or cottage cheese if you’re looking for a lighter option, but keep the feta for flavor!
Herbs: Fresh parsley makes a big difference in taste, but dried can be a quick substitute. Just remember to use less since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken Stays Juicy?
Keeping chicken juicy can be tricky, but a few steps help! First, sear the chicken briefly to lock in moisture. Don’t cook it all the way through at this stage; it will finish cooking in the oven.
- Make sure to preheat your oven fully before baking for even cooking.
- Create a bit of sauce with the zucchini and tomato mixture, which keeps the chicken moist while it bakes.
- Let the bake rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven; this will help the juices redistribute.
Give these tips a try, and you’ll have perfectly juicy chicken every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake – Healthy and Easy
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tbsp dried)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Time Needed
This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, you can have this healthy, delicious dish ready in about 50 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your bake cooks evenly and thoroughly.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. This will help keep everything in the dish wonderfully moist.
3. Season the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, black pepper, oregano, and thyme. This will infuse the chicken with nice flavor right from the start!
4. Sear the Chicken
In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken breasts and sear them for about 3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown but not cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This step will enhance the flavor of the dish.
6. Cook the Vegetables
Add the sliced zucchini and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are just softened. Stir in the chopped parsley, adding red pepper flakes for a kick if you’d like! Season everything with a bit more salt and pepper.
7. Assemble the Dish
Place the seared chicken breasts evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the veggie mixture over the top of the chicken. Make sure everything is evenly distributed so that each bite is delicious!
8. Add Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and crumbled feta cheese evenly over the entire dish. This cheesy layer is what makes it so comforting!
9. Bake
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Rest and Serve
After removing the bake from the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to settle. Serve with fresh lemon wedges to squeeze over the top for a zesty finish!
Enjoy this easy, healthy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake as a nourishing weeknight dinner or a make-ahead meal that tastes even better the next day!
FAQ for Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Can I Use Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! You can mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach. Just chop them into similar sizes so they cook evenly alongside the zucchini and chicken.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure that any canned tomatoes you use do not contain any added gluten ingredients. Enjoy worry-free!
What Can I Serve with This Dish?
This bake is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a side of quinoa, brown rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For a low-carb option, try pairing it with steamed or roasted vegetables!
