Mediterranean chicken zucchini bake has become my go-to weeknight meal, and I’m so excited to share this incredible Mediterranean chicken and zucchini recipe with you! It all started when I was looking for a healthy meal that didn’t require a ton of cleanup, and this easy one-dish chicken zucchini bake was the answer. The aroma of garlic and herbs filling my kitchen as it bakes is just divine, and the tender chicken thighs alongside perfectly roasted vegetables are pure comfort. You’ll love how simple it is to get a flavorful, satisfying dinner on the table with minimal fuss. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
This Mediterranean chicken zucchini bake is a winner for so many reasons:
- Incredible Mediterranean flavors that will transport your taste buds.
- Super speedy prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- A truly healthy Mediterranean chicken zucchini recipe you can feel good about.
- Budget-friendly ingredients that won’t break the bank.
- Family-friendly, with tender chicken and savory veggies everyone enjoys.
- It’s an easy one-dish chicken zucchini bake, meaning less cleanup!
- Another bonus of this healthy Mediterranean chicken zucchini recipe is its simplicity.
Ingredients for Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to this flavorful dish. You’ll need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs – these stay wonderfully moist
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced – about 1/2 inch thick
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – for bursts of sweetness
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced – adds a nice color and crunch
- 1 yellow onion, sliced – for a savory base
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that Mediterranean flavor
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – a healthy fat to coat everything
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – a classic Mediterranean herb
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – pairs beautifully with oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika – for a hint of smokiness and color
- Salt and pepper to taste – season generously
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – for that gooey, bubbly topping
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – adds a fresh finish
The blend of Mediterranean herbs like oregano and thyme is key to the aromatic profile of this chicken zucchini bake.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Get ready for a truly delicious and quick Mediterranean chicken zucchini dinner! This recipe is designed for simplicity and maximum flavor.
- Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish; a cast-iron skillet is fantastic here for even cooking.
- Step 2: Into your large bowl, toss the 2 medium zucchinis, sliced, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, 1 red bell pepper, sliced, 1 yellow onion, sliced, and 3 cloves garlic, minced.
- Step 3: Drizzle everything with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon paprika. Give it a good toss to ensure all those beautiful vegetables are coated.
- Step 4: Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer in your prepared skillet or baking dish. This helps them roast nicely.
- Step 5: Now, pat your 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Step 6: Nestle the seasoned chicken thighs right on top of the vegetables in the skillet. This arrangement ensures the chicken bakes beautifully and the veggies get that lovely flavor infusion.
- Step 7: Carefully place the skillet into the hot oven. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are starting to soften. You’ll start to smell that amazing aroma!
- Step 8: Take the skillet out of the oven. Sprinkle the 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
- Step 9: Return the skillet to the oven for another 5-10 minutes. You’re looking for that cheese to be completely melted and bubbly, creating a glorious topping for this quick Mediterranean chicken zucchini dinner.
- Step 10: Once golden and bubbly, remove the Mediterranean chicken zucchini bake from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley. Enjoy this easy Mediterranean chicken zucchini bake!
Pro Tips for the Best Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
I’ve learned a few tricks to make this Mediterranean chicken zucchini bake absolutely perfect every time:
- Using chicken thighs is crucial; they stay moist and tender, unlike chicken breasts which can dry out quickly in this bake.
- Don’t skip patting the chicken dry before seasoning – it helps create a better texture and allows the seasonings to adhere.
- Ensure your oven is fully preheated. An accurate temperature is key for properly roasting the vegetables and cooking the chicken evenly.
- For the most flavorful experience, consider using fresh garlic and a quality olive oil.
What’s the secret to perfect Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake?
The real secret lies in the balance of fresh ingredients and proper cooking technique. Using chicken thighs and not overcrowding the pan ensures everything cooks perfectly, creating a truly delicious Mediterranean flavors chicken zucchini dish.
Can I make Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can chop all your vegetables and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before you plan to bake. This makes assembly even quicker.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake?
A common pitfall is overcrowding the pan, which causes the vegetables to steam instead of roast. Make sure everything has a little space. Also, resist the urge to overcook the chicken; it should be just cooked through before adding the cheese.
Best Ways to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
This versatile Mediterranean chicken zucchini bake is delicious on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. For a complete and satisfying meal, consider serving it with fluffy couscous or a side of crusty bread to soak up any extra juices. If you’re looking for more Mediterranean dinner ideas chicken zucchini, a light Greek salad with cucumber, olives, and feta cheese makes a refreshing accompaniment. It’s a complete meal that feels both healthy and indulgent!
Nutrition Facts for Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
This Mediterranean chicken zucchini bake is a balanced meal, packed with flavor and good-for-you ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional content per serving:
- Calories: Approx. 350-400 kcal
- Fat: Approx. 18-22g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 6-8g
- Protein: Approx. 30-35g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 15-20g
- Fiber: Approx. 4-5g
- Sugar: Approx. 8-10g
- Sodium: Approx. 300-400mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your Mediterranean chicken zucchini recipe.
How to Store and Reheat Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Leftovers of this delicious Mediterranean chicken zucchini bake are fantastic, and luckily, they store and reheat beautifully. Once your Mediterranean chicken zucchini casserole has cooled completely, transfer any remaining portions into an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, this dish freezes remarkably well! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and they’ll be good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your Mediterranean chicken zucchini dinner again, the best way to reheat is in the oven. Place a portion in a small oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use the microwave for a quicker reheat, just be sure to heat it evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
What is Mediterranean chicken zucchini bake?
A Mediterranean chicken zucchini bake is a one-pan dish that combines tender chicken with fresh vegetables like zucchini, tomatoes, and bell peppers, all seasoned with classic Mediterranean herbs and spices. It’s baked until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, often finished with melted cheese, creating a flavorful and healthy meal.
How to make Mediterranean chicken zucchini bake?
To make this dish, you’ll preheat your oven, toss sliced vegetables with olive oil and seasonings, arrange them in a baking dish, place seasoned chicken thighs on top, and bake until the chicken is cooked. Then, you’ll add cheese and bake a few minutes more until bubbly. It’s a straightforward process for a delicious Mediterranean chicken zucchini dinner.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
While chicken thighs are recommended for their moisture and flavor in a Mediterranean chicken zucchini bake, you can use chicken breast. Just be mindful of cooking time; chicken breast can dry out more easily, so check for doneness around the 20-minute mark before adding cheese.
What other vegetables can I add to this Mediterranean chicken zucchini bake?
You can easily customize this Mediterranean chicken zucchini casserole! Consider adding chopped eggplant, Kalamata olives, or artichoke hearts for extra Mediterranean flair. Broccoli florets or even some spinach wilted in at the end also work wonderfully.
Variations of Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic Mediterranean chicken zucchini bake, there are so many fun ways to switch it up! For a delightful twist, try a feta cheese chicken zucchini casserole by crumbling feta over the vegetables before baking – it adds a wonderful salty tang. If you love a brighter flavor profile, a lemon garlic chicken zucchini bake is fantastic; just add the zest and juice of one lemon and an extra clove of minced garlic to the vegetable mix. You could also swap out the mozzarella for provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses. For a lighter option, consider using chicken breast, but watch the cooking time closely, or try it with firm tofu for a vegetarian meal.
Print
Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake: Easy 40 Min Meal
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake. This one-pan dish features tender chicken thighs, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes baked with herbs and spices, topped with melted mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic.
- Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and paprika. Toss well to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Arrange the seasoned vegetables in a single layer in a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken thighs on top of the vegetables in the skillet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
- Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Prep vegetables in advance for a quicker assembly.
- This dish reheats well for leftovers.
- Leftover chicken can be used in salads or wraps.
- A cast-iron skillet is recommended for even cooking.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan for better roasting of vegetables.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 350-400 kcal
- Sugar: Approx. 8-10g
- Sodium: Approx. 300-400mg
- Fat: Approx. 18-22g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 6-8g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 10-12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 15-20g
- Fiber: Approx. 4-5g
- Protein: Approx. 30-35g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 100-120mg
