Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a flavorful and nutritious one-dish meal featuring tender chicken pieces, fresh zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and aromatic herbs baked to perfection with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s a quick and easy recipe perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Cheese
- Olive oil (about 2 tablespoons)
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon)
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon)
- Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon)
- Salt (to taste, about ½ teaspoon)
- Black pepper (to taste, about ¼ teaspoon)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole evenly.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces, sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and minced garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together well so the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Arrange in Dish: Spread the seasoned mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer for uniform cooking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the vegetable and chicken mixture.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This helps the chicken cook through while keeping the moisture in.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), indicating it’s fully cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish before serving.
Notes
- Ensure chicken pieces are cut uniformly for even cooking.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to guarantee food safety.
- Feel free to substitute mozzarella cheese with a low-fat version for a lighter dish.
- This dish pairs well with a side of couscous, quinoa, or a fresh green salad.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
