This colorful Mediterranean Chicken and Zucchini Bake is a real crowd-pleaser! Juicy chicken, fresh zucchini, and a sprinkle of herbs come together for a tasty, healthy meal.
You won’t believe how easy this one-pan dish is to make. Just chop, bake, and enjoy! I love serving it with some warm bread to soak up the flavors—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here. For a lighter option, use chicken thighs, which can add more flavor and moisture.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is key for this dish, but yellow squash works just as well. If you’re looking for variety, try using eggplant instead!
Tomaoto: While I used a large tomato, feel free to swap it for cherry or grape tomatoes for a sweeter bite. Canned diced tomatoes can also be a handy substitute.
Cheese: Mozzarella offers a lovely melt, but you can replace it with provolone or a dairy-free version for a lighter or vegan option. Just make sure it melts well!
Herbs: The dried oregano and basil are staples, but if you have fresh herbs on hand, such as thyme or rosemary, they can elevate the dish even more.
How Do You Ensure the Chicken is Juicy and Cooked Perfectly?
Keeping your chicken juicy can be challenging. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by seasoning your chicken breasts well; this will enhance flavor.
- Make sure to pour chicken broth or water around the edges—this keeps moisture in while baking.
- Covering the dish with foil traps steam, helping the chicken cook evenly.
- Always check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer and aim for 165°F (75°C) for doneness.
These simple tips will help you achieve tender, juicy chicken every time! Enjoy your bake!
Easy Mediterranean Chicken and Zucchini Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Mediterranean Chicken and Zucchini Bake takes about 15 minutes to prep and 40 minutes to bake, for a total of 55 minutes. You’ll spend a few minutes chopping and seasoning, then let your oven do the work while you relax!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for baking the chicken and veggies evenly.
2. Season the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and season them well with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and basil. Make sure to coat them thoroughly to enhance the flavor!
3. Prepare the Baking Dish:
In a baking dish, drizzle the olive oil. Then, spread the chopped onion and minced garlic evenly across the bottom. This will infuse the dish with great flavor as it bakes.
4. Layer the Ingredients:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the onion and garlic. Then, scatter the sliced zucchinis and diced tomatoes around and on top of the chicken. You want every bite to be colorful and delicious!
5. Add Moisture:
Pour the chicken broth or water around the edges of the dish. This helps keep everything moist while it bakes, resulting in juicy chicken and veggies.
6. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top of the chicken and veggies. If you love a little heat, this is the time to add optional red chili flakes too!
7. Bake:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, garnish your dish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve it warm as a comforting Mediterranean-style main dish that pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a light salad. Enjoy your meal!
This bake showcases tender chicken infused with tomatoes, zucchini, and herbs, and topped with melted cheese for a savory and satisfying dish that everyone will love!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to adjust cooking times slightly if you use denser vegetables.
Can I Prep This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare everything ahead! Assemble the dish, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if going straight from the fridge to the oven.
What If I Don’t Have Mozzarella Cheese?
No problem! You can substitute mozzarella with provolone, gouda, or even a dairy-free cheese alternative if you’re looking for a lower-fat or vegan option. Just ensure it’s a cheese that melts well to achieve that gooey topping!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or bake it at a low temperature until heated through. You may want to add a splash of broth to keep it moist!
