This Easy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a fantastic dish. It combines juicy chicken with fresh zucchini, tomatoes, and olives, all baked together for a tasty meal!
I love that this dish is not just delicious but also healthy! It’s a one-pan wonder that makes cleanup a breeze, leaving more time for me to enjoy my food. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for a substitution, thighs can add extra juiciness! Tofu or tempeh works well for a vegetarian option.
Zucchini: Fresh, medium zucchinis are best, but you can also use yellow squash. If you want something different, try eggplant or even bell peppers.
Cheese: I love using mozzarella for its meltiness, paired with Parmesan for flavor. You can substitute low-fat cheese or even vegan cheese for a lighter or dairy-free version.
Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add brightness, but canned diced tomatoes work too. For a burst of flavor, consider using sun-dried tomatoes.
Herbs: Dried herbs like oregano and basil bring a lovely Mediterranean flavor. If you have fresh herbs, feel free to use those, though you’ll want to double the amount since they’re less concentrated.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Is Cooked Through?
Cooking chicken perfectly can be a challenge. Here’s how to make sure it’s done:
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Cut into the thickest part of one chicken breast to check for any pinkness. If it’s no longer pink and juices run clear, it’s ready!
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute, making the chicken even juicier.
Easy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and about 30-35 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll be enjoying this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake in about 45-50 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when the bake goes in!
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm up 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, which takes about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Zucchini and Tomatoes:
Next, toss in the sliced zucchinis and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 4-5 minutes until the veggies are just slightly softened. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, oregano, and basil, then remove the skillet from the heat.
4. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Take a baking dish and lightly grease it with the remaining olive oil to prevent sticking.
5. Layer the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish in a single layer. Give them a good sprinkle of salt, pepper, and a dusting of dried oregano for flavor.
6. Add the Veggie Mixture:
Spread the sautéed zucchini, tomato, and onion mixture evenly over the top of the chicken breasts.
7. Sprinkle Red Pepper Flakes:
If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle the red pepper flakes over the veggies. This step is totally optional!
8. Cheese It Up:
Now, cover everything with the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses. Cheese is always a good idea!
9. Bake It:
Put the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is nice and golden and bubbly!
10. Let It Rest:
Once out of the oven, let the dish rest for a few minutes for the flavors to meld together.
11. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a touch of freshness before serving!
Enjoy this easy, flavorful Mediterranean chicken zucchini bake that’s hearty, cheesy, and full of fresh veggie goodness!
FAQ for Easy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. Bell peppers, eggplant, or even spinach would work well. Just make sure to adjust cooking times slightly based on the vegetables you choose!
Can I Prep This Meal in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and layer everything in the baking dish up to 24 hours ahead of time. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before putting it in the oven.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
What Can I Serve with This Dish?
This bake goes great with a side of rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up any delicious juices!
