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Flavorful & Easy! Recipe

Flavorful & Easy! Recipe

4.9 from 30 reviews

This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Combining tender chicken breasts with fresh zucchinis, cherry tomatoes, and a blend of Mediterranean herbs, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this bake is both comforting and nutritious.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Vegetables

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
  • 2 tablespoons dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Cheese and Garnish

  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven reaches the right temperature for even cooking.
  2. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and add a subtle flavor.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add the chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces, sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and minced garlic.
  4. Season and Mix: Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and then add dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Toss everything well to coat evenly in the spices and oil.
  5. Assemble in Dish: Spread the seasoned mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish to ensure uniform cooking.
  6. Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the spread ingredients for a cheesy crust.
  7. First Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. This helps the chicken cook through while keeping moisture locked in.
  8. Final Bake: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the chicken is fully cooked.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor, then serve warm.

Notes

  • You can substitute mozzarella with a low-fat cheese option to reduce calories.
  • For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
  • Ensure chicken pieces are cut uniformly for even cooking.
  • If you prefer a milder flavor, omit the smoked paprika and red pepper flakes.
  • This dish can be made ahead and reheated for quick lunches or dinners.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, zucchini bake, healthy chicken recipe, baked chicken and vegetables, easy dinner recipe