This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a light, nutritious, and flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep! With juicy chicken, tender zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and a delicious blend of Mediterranean herbs, this dish is baked to perfection with a golden layer of cheese. It’s gluten-free, low-carb, and incredibly easy to make in just one dish.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a healthy dinner or prepare a meal ahead of time, this bake offers the best of Mediterranean flavors in a simple, satisfying way.
Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a healthy, low-carb, and gluten-free dish that’s packed with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and Mediterranean herbs. With a simple one-pan prep and a golden, cheesy topping, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & 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
2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Mediterranean Seasoning:
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Topping:
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or feta for a Mediterranean touch)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Preheat & Prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
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Season the Chicken & Vegetables: Toss chicken, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and garlic with olive oil and Mediterranean seasoning. Mix well to coat evenly.
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Assemble the Bake: Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture in the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
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Bake the Dish: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly, and chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
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Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Pair with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread for a complete meal!
Notes
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For extra flavor, use fresh herbs.
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To prevent overcooking, be mindful of the baking time and temperature
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Mediterranean
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake checks all the boxes:
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Healthy and nutritious: Packed with lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and Mediterranean herbs.
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Quick and easy: With minimal prep, you can have this dish ready in about 40 minutes.
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Gluten-free and low-carb: Perfect for those following a gluten-free or low-carb diet.
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One-pan meal: Easy to make, easy to clean up!
It’s light yet hearty, making it a great option for any meal, whether it’s a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the week.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken & Vegetables:
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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½ red onion, thinly sliced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Mediterranean Seasoning:
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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½ teaspoon dried basil
-
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Topping:
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½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or feta for a Mediterranean touch)
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
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Preheat & Prepare
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil. -
Season the Chicken & Vegetables
In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and garlic with olive oil and Mediterranean seasoning. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated. -
Assemble the Bake
Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. -
Bake the Dish
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). -
Serve & Enjoy!
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Pair with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread for a complete meal!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 30 minutes
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Total time: 40 minutes
Expert Tips for the Best Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
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Cut vegetables evenly: Ensures they cook at the same rate.
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Use fresh herbs if possible: Fresh herbs elevate the Mediterranean flavors.
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Don’t overbake: Avoid overcooking the chicken to prevent it from drying out.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Skipping the seasoning step: The Mediterranean seasoning needs to be fully incorporated for the best flavor.
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Using too much cheese: Balance is key—too much cheese can make the dish greasy.
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Overcrowding the baking dish: Spread everything evenly to ensure proper cooking.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
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Serve with: A side of warm pita bread and tzatziki sauce, or a refreshing Greek salad.
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Garnish: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness and balances the richness.
How to Store & Make Ahead
Storage:
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
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Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to reheat.
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Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
Freezing:
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Freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations and Substitutions
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Dairy-free: Use dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese altogether.
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Other veggies: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or eggplant for more variety.
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Chicken thighs: For extra juiciness, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
What to Serve with Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
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Steamed rice or quinoa: Complements the flavors and makes the meal more filling.
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Roasted potatoes or couscous: Perfect for a hearty side.
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Hummus and olives: Serve on the side for a Mediterranean touch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dish and refrigerate it uncooked for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, bake it in the oven.
Can I use frozen zucchini?
Fresh zucchini works best, as frozen zucchini can become mushy after baking.
How do I make this spicier?
Add extra red pepper flakes or drizzle some harissa sauce over the dish for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is an easy-to-make, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping. With tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic Mediterranean herbs, it’s a balanced and satisfying meal that’s gluten-free and low-carb. Try it today and enjoy the bold flavors of the Mediterranean in a simple, one-pan dish
