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:
2 chicken breasts (450 g / 1 lb), boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 medium zucchini (400 g), sliced into half-moons
240 g (1 cup) cherry tomatoes, halved
½ medium red onion (60 g), thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp olive oil (30 ml)
For the Mediterranean Seasoning:
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)
For the Topping:
½ cup shredded mozzarella (60 g) or feta
¼ cup grated Parmesan (25 g)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prep the oven: Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 9×13 in baking dish with olive oil.
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.
Layer in dish: Spread mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
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).
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