Why Make This Recipe
Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a wonderful meal that combines succulent chicken with fresh zucchini. This dish is not only healthy but also packed with flavor. It takes minimal preparation and is the perfect choice for a weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s a great way to get more vegetables into your diet!
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella or Italian cheese blend
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss chicken and zucchini with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Serve this dish hot, right out of the oven. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some warm crusty bread. The melty cheese and seasoned chicken are sure to make everyone at the table happy!
How to Store Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
If you have leftovers, let them cool completely. Then, place the chicken zucchini bake in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months if you want to save it for later.
Tips to Make Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
- Make sure to cut the chicken and zucchini into even pieces. This way, they cook at the same speed.
- If you prefer extra cheese, feel free to sprinkle more mozzarella on top before baking.
- Experiment with your favorite herbs or add cherry tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.
Variation
For a low-carb option, you can substitute the chicken with eggplant or mushrooms. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the mix.
FAQs
1. Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, you can add bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even spinach for more variation.
2. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and zucchini mixture the night before, store it in the fridge, and bake it the next day for a quick and easy dinner.
Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 each lemon (juice of)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.75 cup shredded mozzarella or Italian cheese blend
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss chicken and zucchini with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
Baking
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.