Enjoy this Mediterranean chicken zucchini bake! A healthy, cheesy, and flavorful casserole with fresh veggies and lean chicken. Perfect weeknight dinn
Looking for a healthy, flavorful, and easy weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste? This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is the perfect recipe to add to your meal rotation. Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and Mediterranean herbs, this dish is wholesome, delicious, and comes together with minimal effort.
Imagine tender chunks of chicken breast baked with zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of mozzarella or Parmesan cheese, all seasoned with garlic, olive oil, and classic Mediterranean spices. The result is a colorful, hearty casserole that’s both comforting and nutritious. It’s the kind of dish that feels light yet satisfying, making it ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even meal prep for the week ahead.
What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. You can easily adjust it based on your preferences or whatever you have on hand. Add bell peppers, eggplant, or mushrooms for extra flavor, or swap chicken breast for chicken thighs for added juiciness. The Mediterranean-style seasoning brings everything together, creating a fresh, vibrant taste that’s as good for you as it is satisfying. Serve it with a side of rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up the juices, and you’ve got a complete meal that everyone will love.
If you’re searching for a healthy chicken dinner that’s easy, quick, and bursting with flavor, this baked chicken and zucchini casserole is the answer. Keep reading to discover the full list of ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to make this recipe a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients for Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
This healthy and delicious Mediterranean-style bake uses simple ingredients that come together for a hearty yet light dinner. Here’s everything you’ll need:
Ingredient |
Quantity |
Notes |
Chicken breast |
1.5 lbs (700 g) |
Boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized chunks |
Zucchini |
2 medium |
Sliced into thin rounds |
Cherry tomatoes |
1 1/2 cups |
Halved for freshness and color |
Onion |
1 medium, thinly sliced |
Adds sweetness and depth |
Garlic |
3 cloves, minced |
Essential for Mediterranean flavor |
Olive oil |
3 tbsp |
For drizzling over the bake |
Dried oregano |
1 tsp |
Classic Mediterranean seasoning |
Dried basil |
1 tsp |
Pairs beautifully with tomatoes |
Paprika |
1/2 tsp |
Adds color and mild smokiness |
Salt & black pepper |
To taste |
Adjust as preferred |
Mozzarella cheese |
1 cup, shredded |
Melts into a creamy topping |
Parmesan cheese |
1/2 cup, grated |
Adds sharp, nutty flavor |
Fresh parsley |
2 tbsp, chopped |
For garnish |
This ingredient list balances lean protein, fresh vegetables, and just the right amount of cheese for a satisfying dish. The chicken provides the protein base, while zucchini and cherry tomatoes add freshness and moisture. Onion and garlic bring classic Mediterranean depth, and the herbs (oregano, basil, paprika) tie everything together with a savory, aromatic flavor.
The olive oil not only prevents sticking but also enhances the richness of the dish, making it feel authentically Mediterranean. Mozzarella provides the melty, gooey topping, while Parmesan adds sharpness and a golden crust when baked. The sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end brightens the dish with color and freshness.
For variations, you can substitute chicken breast with boneless thighs for extra juiciness, or even swap in turkey for a leaner alternative. Vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or eggplant also make excellent additions to this casserole. If you’re looking for a lighter version, reduce the cheese by half and add extra zucchini or spinach for a more veggie-forward bake.
This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is versatile, simple, and perfect for meal prep. It’s a balanced recipe that checks all the boxes: protein-packed, veggie-rich, and loaded with flavor – all baked together in one dish for minimal cleanup and maximum taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This Mediterranean chicken zucchini bake is quick to assemble and requires minimal effort. Follow these easy steps to prepare a flavorful and healthy dinner:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Slice the zucchini into thin rounds, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the onion. Place them in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil, garlic, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat all the vegetables evenly with the seasoning.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks and season them lightly with salt and pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl with the vegetables and toss everything together so the flavors combine.
Step 4: Assemble the Bake
Transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top for a golden, cheesy crust.
Step 5: Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Pair it with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal. 🥖
Tips & Variations
This Mediterranean chicken zucchini bake is super flexible and perfect for meal prep. Here are some helpful tips and delicious variations to customize the recipe:
Tip 1: Use Fresh, Seasonal Veggies
For best flavor, use fresh summer zucchini and ripe cherry tomatoes. If zucchini is out of season, you can substitute with eggplant or yellow squash for a similar texture and taste.
Tip 2: Don’t Overbake
Zucchini releases water when overcooked. To avoid a watery casserole, slice the zucchini thin and bake just until tender. You can also lightly salt and pat dry the zucchini slices before baking.
Tip 3: Make it Low-Carb or Keto
This recipe is naturally low-carb, but you can make it even more keto-friendly by using full-fat mozzarella and Parmesan, and avoiding any starchy side dishes. Serve it with a green salad or cauliflower rice for a perfect keto dinner.
Variation 1: Add Olives & Feta
For a stronger Mediterranean flavor, add sliced black olives and crumbled feta cheese on top before baking. It gives the dish a salty, tangy kick.
Variation 2: Try Different Proteins
You can replace chicken with turkey breast, shrimp, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose.
Variation 3: Spice it Up
If you love spicy food, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle a bit of harissa sauce before serving. It adds a nice heat that pairs well with the cheesy top.
Meal Prep Tip
This bake is perfect for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. It also freezes well for up to 2 months.
Love healthy chicken dinners? Try our Easy Stuffed Italian Meatloaf or Homemade Butter Chicken next!