Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a delicious, healthy dish featuring tender chunks of chicken and fresh zucchini rounds baked with fragrant herbs, garlic, and lemon juice, then topped with a flavorful blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines vibrant Mediterranean flavors with a simple, one-pan cooking method.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
Seasoning and Marinade
- 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
Cheese and Garnish
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella or Italian cheese blend
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for baking the chicken and zucchini evenly.
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken chunks and zucchini slices with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper until everything is evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Spread the seasoned chicken and zucchini mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure the ingredients are well distributed for even cooking.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella (or Italian cheese blend) along with the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and zucchini mixture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- For best results, use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached 165°F for safe consumption.
- You can substitute the zucchini with yellow squash or add other Mediterranean vegetables such as cherry tomatoes or bell peppers.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
- This bake can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking directly from the fridge.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
