If you’re looking for a dinner that feels light yet comforting, Chicken Zucchini Bake is about to become your new best friend. It’s wholesome, cheesy, colorful, and has that cozy Mediterranean vibe that makes you feel like you’re eating seaside—even if you’re just in your kitchen with the kids asking for seconds before the dish hits the table.
This Mediterranean chicken bake is all about balance: tender chicken, juicy zucchini, sweet cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan for that irresistible cheesy top. It comes together in about 40 minutes, which means you can whip it up on a weeknight without breaking a sweat. And because it’s a healthy chicken dinner, it doesn’t leave you feeling weighed down afterward.
Honestly, this dish is proof that healthy and hearty can live happily on the same plate. So grab your baking dish and let’s get this cheesy, veggie-packed comfort meal in the oven!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Zucchini Bake
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Ready in just 40 minutes from start to finish.
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A wholesome mix of lean protein and veggies.
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The cheesy topping makes it feel indulgent.
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Perfectly seasoned with Mediterranean spices.
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Family-friendly and picky-eater approved.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the chicken & vegetables:
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2 chicken breasts (about 450 g / 1 lb), boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
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2 medium zucchini (about 400 g), sliced into half-moons
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240 g (1 cup) cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/2 medium red onion (about 60 g), thinly sliced
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil
For the Mediterranean seasoning:
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1/2 tsp dried basil
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1/2 tsp smoked paprika
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the topping:
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60 g (1/2 cup) shredded mozzarella (or feta for a Mediterranean twist)
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25 g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Chicken Zucchini Bake
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Prep the oven
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease a 9×13 in baking dish with olive oil. -
Mix the base
In a large bowl, combine chicken, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and garlic. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle in oregano, basil, paprika, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Toss well to coat everything evenly. -
Layer in the dish
Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan. -
Bake to perfection
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil, then bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden and the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). -
Garnish & serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot. Pair with rice, quinoa, or warm crusty bread for the full Mediterranean experience.
Cooking Tips for Success
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Zucchini trick: Slice zucchini into half-moons, not thin rounds, so it doesn’t overcook and get mushy.
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Cheese swap: Mozzarella makes it cozy, but feta adds that salty Mediterranean punch. Try a mix if you’re feeling adventurous.
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Protein options: Not in a chicken mood? Turkey breast or even chickpeas make great substitutes.
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Meal prep win: Chop your veggies in advance and keep them in the fridge—then toss everything together at dinner time.
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Crispier cheese top: For that golden-brown finish, pop the dish under the broiler for 2 minutes at the end.
A Personal Story
The first time I made this cheesy chicken zucchini bake, it was one of those nights where I stared at the fridge thinking, what can I make that’s not just pasta again? I had chicken, a couple zucchinis on their last good day, and some cherry tomatoes. A little Mediterranean seasoning, a sprinkle of cheese, and boom—something magical happened.
My family devoured it. My husband declared it “better than restaurant food,” and my kids? Let’s just say they actually ate zucchini without a bribe—which, if you’re a mom, you know is basically a culinary miracle. Since then, it’s become one of my weeknight staples: simple, satisfying, and secretly veggie-packed.
What to Serve with Chicken Zucchini Bake
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Grains: Fluffy basmati rice, nutty quinoa, or even couscous all soak up the flavorful juices perfectly.
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Bread: Crusty baguette or warm pita bread is perfect for scooping up the cheesy, tomato-y goodness.
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Salad: A Greek salad with cucumber, olives, and feta adds freshness.
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Wine pairing: A crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc complements the herbs and zucchini beautifully (for those evenings when you deserve a little glass!).
How to Store and Reheat
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. The microwave works too, but the cheese is way better when reheated in the oven.
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Meal prep bonus: Assemble the dish ahead of time (without baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Just bake when ready!
FAQs About Chicken Zucchini Bake
Can I use frozen zucchini?
Fresh is best, but you can use frozen if you thaw and pat it dry first. Otherwise, it gets watery.
Can I make this Mediterranean chicken bake without cheese?
Yes! Just leave it out, or swap in dairy-free cheese. It’ll still be flavorful with the herbs and veggies.
Is this really a healthy chicken dinner?
Absolutely. Lean protein, loads of veggies, and olive oil make it light yet filling.
What can I use instead of zucchini?
Eggplant, bell peppers, or even broccoli work well here. It’s flexible based on what’s in your fridge.
How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Cut it into even pieces and don’t overbake. Covering the dish with foil at the start helps lock in moisture.
Bringing It All Together
This Chicken Zucchini Bake is one of those recipes that reminds us dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. With its colorful veggies, tender chicken, and cheesy top layer, it’s a dish that feels both homey and a little bit fancy—like you’ve snuck off to a Mediterranean café without leaving your kitchen.
The best part? It’s quick, wholesome, and totally adaptable, making it the kind of healthy chicken dinner you’ll want to keep in your weekly rotation. Next time you’re craving comfort food with a fresh twist, this recipe will be waiting to make your evening brighter (and your kitchen smell amazing).
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Print
Chicken Zucchini Bake
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken Zucchini Bake is a healthy Mediterranean-inspired chicken dinner featuring tender chicken, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onion, all baked with herbs and topped with melty cheese. It’s light yet comforting, cheesy but wholesome, and ready in just 40 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Vegetables:
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2 chicken breasts (450 g / 1 lb), boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
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2 medium zucchini (400 g), sliced into half-moons
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240 g (1 cup) cherry tomatoes, halved
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½ medium red onion (60 g), thinly sliced
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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2 tbsp olive oil (30 ml)
For the Mediterranean Seasoning:
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1 tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp dried basil
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Topping:
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½ cup shredded mozzarella (60 g) or feta
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¼ cup grated Parmesan (25 g)
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Prep the oven: Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 9×13 in baking dish with olive oil.
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Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine chicken, zucchini, tomatoes, onion, and garlic. Drizzle with olive oil, add oregano, basil, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss well to coat.
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Layer in dish: Spread mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
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Bake: Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered 10–15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden and chicken reaches 75°C (165°F).
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Serve: Garnish with parsley. Serve with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread.
Notes
Slice zucchini into half-moons to prevent mushiness.
Swap mozzarella with feta for a stronger Mediterranean flavor.
Substitute chicken with turkey or chickpeas for variety.
Prep ahead: assemble dish up to 24 hours in advance, then bake fresh.
Broil for 2 minutes at the end for a crisp golden cheese top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish / Casserole
- Method: Baked (Oven)
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired