Mediterranean-style Chicken and Zucchini Bake

Why you’ll love this dish

This Mediterranean-style Chicken and Zucchini Bake is a beautiful blend of flavors and textures that will quickly earn a spot in your weekly meal rotation. It’s a fuss-free, one-dish meal that simplifies weeknight cooking while still delivering a burst of freshness and richness. The combination of juicy chicken, tender zucchini, and bubbly cheese creates a comforting dish that’s perfect for the whole family.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner after a long day or a dish to impress guests at a cozy gathering, this bake hits all the right notes. Plus, it’s incredibly adaptable, allowing you to substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand.

"I made this for my family, and they couldn’t stop raving about it! The flavors were incredible, and it was so easy to prepare." — A satisfied home cook.

How this recipe comes together

This dish is as simple as it is satisfying. The process starts by prepping your ingredients: cutting the chicken and zucchini, mixing them with aromatic herbs and spices, and then layering everything with melted cheese. In just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to hit the oven, allowing you to enjoy the enticing aromas filling your kitchen while it bakes. The whole dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings.

What you’ll need

• 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)

Feel free to swap the chicken for another protein or replace the zucchini with bell peppers or eggplant if you want to mix it up. The fresh herbs and cheeses play a crucial role in flavor, so try to use good quality ingredients for the best results.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken chunks and zucchini rounds. Drizzle the olive oil on top.
3. Add the minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until well coated.
4. Spread the chicken and zucchini mixture into a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
5. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top, finishing with the grated Parmesan.
6. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
7. Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 3–5 minutes. Finally, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.

Best ways to enjoy it

This Mediterranean bake can be served as a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a light green salad. Consider drizzling a little extra olive oil and a splash of balsamic vinegar over your salad for added flavor. For a heartier option, serve it over a bed of quinoa or couscous to soak up any delicious juices from the bake.

How to store

To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. If you’re planning on saving some for later, this dish also freezes well. Just make sure to portion out any leftovers before freezing them. When reheating, cover the dish with foil to maintain moisture and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Helpful cooking tips

For an extra depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the olive oil, lemon juice, and spices for a couple of hours before baking. This will enhance the chicken’s succulence. Additionally, you can roast the zucchini separately in the oven for a few minutes before adding it to the dish to achieve a slightly caramelized flavor.

Recipe variations

Feel free to switch up the flavors! You could add some sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist or include olives for a briny note. For those who prefer a bit of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can give it a nice kick. This recipe is incredibly versatile, so don’t hesitate to throw in your favorite Mediterranean ingredients!

Common questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Yes, chicken thighs will work beautifully! They will add more moisture and flavor to the dish, but be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if they’re particularly large.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prep everything a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just add the cheese right before baking.

3. What can I substitute for zucchini?
   If zucchini isn’t your thing, consider using bell peppers, asparagus, or even eggplant. Each will add its unique flavor while still delivering a satisfying dish.

Mediterranean Chicken and Zucchini Bake

A comforting one-dish meal featuring juicy chicken, tender zucchini, and melted cheese, perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 6 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the bake

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks Can substitute with chicken thighs.
• 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds Other substitutes include bell peppers or eggplant.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil Extra for drizzling recommended.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic enhances flavor.
• 1 juice lemon Fresh lemon juice preferred.
• 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 Good quality cheese recommended.
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken chunks and zucchini rounds. Drizzle the olive oil on top.
• Add the minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until well coated.

Baking

• Spread the chicken and zucchini mixture into a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
• Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top, finishing with the grated Parmesan.
• Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
• Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 3–5 minutes. Finally, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.

Notes

Serve as a complete meal or pair with crusty bread or a light green salad. This bake also stores well; refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days. Optionally freeze in portions.

Keyword Chicken Bake, Easy Dinner, Mediterranean Recipe, One-Dish Meal, Zucchini Bake