Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken breasts, fresh vegetables, and aromatic Mediterranean spices. This one-pan meal is perfect for weeknights or family dinners, offering a nourishing mix of protein, vibrant veggies, and melty cheese. With minimal prep and a short cooking time, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. Whether you’re keeping it low-carb or simply craving a hearty, wholesome dinner, this Mediterranean-inspired dish hits all the right notes.
Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
- Nutritious & Satisfying: Full of lean protein, colorful veggies, and healthy fats.
- Quick & Effortless: Requires minimal preparation and bakes in just 20 minutes.
- Family-Friendly: A flavorful dish that pleases even the pickiest eaters.
- Highly Adaptable: Easily customizable with different herbs, spices, or cheeses.
- Meal Prep Ready: Ideal for cooking ahead and reheating for easy lunches or dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut horizontally into 4 thinner cutlets
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon instant chicken stock (optional)
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- ½ onion, chopped
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
- Preheat the Oven: Warm your oven to 400ºF (200ºC).
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken cutlets with olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, instant chicken stock (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Arrange in the Dish: Lay the seasoned chicken in a baking dish. Scatter onion, zucchini slices, and chopped tomatoes over the top. Drizzle with olive oil and lightly season the vegetables.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
- Bake: Cook uncovered for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked. For a golden, bubbly finish, broil for an extra 2–3 minutes.
- Rest & Garnish: Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Top with fresh parsley and enjoy with rice, couscous, or cauliflower rice.
Helpful Tips
- Slice chicken breasts horizontally for quicker, even cooking.
- For added heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165ºF (74ºC).
- Broil briefly at the end for a crisp, golden top.
Substitutions and Variations
- Alternative Proteins: Replace chicken with turkey cutlets or boneless pork chops.
- Vegetable Options: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or eggplant for extra flavor.
- Different Cheeses: Swap in feta, goat cheese, or provolone for a unique twist.
- Herb Swaps: Try basil, thyme, or rosemary for different flavor profiles.
Storage Instructions
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a 350ºF (180ºC) oven until warmed through. Avoid freezing to maintain the best texture of the zucchini.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with fluffy couscous or fragrant basmati rice for a complete meal.
- Keep it light by pairing with cauliflower rice or a crisp green salad.
- Add pita bread and hummus for a fuller Mediterranean-style spread.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a few hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely. Boneless, skinless thighs work great and add extra juiciness.
Is instant chicken stock necessary?
No, it’s optional. It just adds a deeper flavor to the dish.
How can I make this dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free cheese substitute or skip the cheese entirely for a lighter option.
Conclusion
Thank you for stopping by to try this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake! It’s one of my favorite easy recipes, full of fresh flavors and simple ingredients that make dinnertime a breeze. Whether you’re cooking for family or prepping ahead for the week, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious. I hope you enjoy every bite. Happy cooking, and thank you for being part of this wonderful food-loving community!
Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a wholesome, flavorful one-pan meal made with juicy chicken cutlets, fresh zucchini, tomatoes, and melty cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, it’s quick, easy, and full of vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut horizontally into 4 cutlets
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp instant chicken stock (optional)
2 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp fresh oregano (or 1 tsp dried)
1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
2 tomatoes, chopped
½ onion, chopped
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Warm your oven to 400ºF (200ºC).
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken cutlets with olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, instant chicken stock (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Arrange in the Dish: Lay the seasoned chicken in a baking dish. Scatter onion, zucchini slices, and chopped tomatoes over the top. Drizzle with olive oil and lightly season the vegetables.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
- Bake: Cook uncovered for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked. For a golden, bubbly finish, broil for an extra 2–3 minutes.
- Rest & Garnish: Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Top with fresh parsley and enjoy with rice, couscous, or cauliflower rice.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165ºF (74ºC).
Add cayenne for a spicy kick.
Great with extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cutlet with vegetables
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 35g