Name: Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 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; 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); ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or feta for a Mediterranean touch); ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 6 reviews

If you’re craving vibrant flavors and a meal that feels both comforting and light, this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake will absolutely win you over. Imagine golden, juicy chicken mingling with sweet cherry tomatoes, tender zucchini, and red onion—all nestled under a blanket of melty cheese and kissed by Mediterranean herbs. Every spoonful bursts with sunshine-bright color and the kind of cozy satisfaction you dream of after a long day. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights, special enough for guests, and guaranteed to become a recurring favorite in any kitchen.

Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake, you’ll fall in love with how just a handful of everyday ingredients come together in the most magical way. Each addition plays its part—bringing juicy texture, bold flavor, and those classic Mediterranean colors that make your dinner table pop.

Chicken breasts: Tender, lean, and perfectly soak up all the flavors in this bake.
Zucchinis: Their mild flavor and delicate texture are the perfect canvas for the seasonings and cheese.
Cherry tomatoes: Bursting with juiciness, these add sweetness and a pop of color.
Red onion: Sliced thin, it mellows in the oven and contributes a gentle sweetness.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the entire dish with warm, aromatic depth.
Olive oil: Essential for flavor, and it keeps everything beautifully moist while roasting.
Dried oregano: The heart of Mediterranean flavor, bringing herby brightness.
Dried basil: Offers a sweet, subtle aroma that pairs gorgeously with tomatoes.
Smoked paprika: Elevates with its smoky warmth and deepens the overall flavor.
Salt: Balances and enhances every ingredient’s natural taste.
Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and a peppery note.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Perfect if you like a hint of spicy excitement.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (or feta): Mozzarella melts for gorgeous gooeyness, or pick feta for a tangy, salty bite.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty kick and helps form that irresistible golden crust.
Fresh parsley: Chopped for garnish, it always finishes a Mediterranean dish with fresh, green vibrance.

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Begin by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C)—this is the sweet spot for roasting everything gently while letting the cheese caramelize perfectly. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil, making cleanup simple and ensuring not a bite will stick behind.

Step 2: Season the Chicken & Vegetables

In a large mixing bowl, combine your chopped chicken, zucchini slices, sweet cherry tomato halves, sliced red onion, and the minced garlic. Drizzle it all generously with olive oil and sprinkle over the full Mediterranean seasoning blend (dried oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and those optional pepper flakes if you’re craving a touch of heat). Toss everything together—use your hands if you like!—until every piece gleams and is evenly coated with the rich, aromatic spices.

Step 3: Assemble the Bake

Now, spread that beautifully seasoned mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Layer on the finishing touches: first, a generous sprinkle of mozzarella (or feta for that classic Mediterranean punch), followed by a shower of snowy Parmesan. This is how each bite gets that dreamy, cheesy stretch and golden top everyone loves.

Step 4: Bake the Dish

Cover the dish with foil to keep in all that lovely moisture, and bake for about 20 minutes. After that initial steamy bake, remove the foil and return the pan for another 10 to 15 minutes. This last bit is where the magic happens—the cheese turns bubbly and beautifully golden, and your kitchen will be filled with an aroma guaranteed to tempt anyone nearby. Make sure the chicken is cooked through (165°F/75°C in the center) before taking it out.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Finish the Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley—it adds a garden-fresh spark and makes the colors pop! Serve it warm and melty, and let everyone dig in. It’s perfect as a hearty main with rice, quinoa, or a crusty loaf of bread to dip up every last drop.

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake

Garnishes

A final flourish of fresh, chopped parsley brings brightness and a crisp, springlike flavor to the Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake. For a twist, you can add crumbled feta, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, or even a scattering of toasted pine nuts for a little crunch. A sprinkle of lemon zest over the top right before serving adds a zippy citrus lift that wakes up every flavor.

Side Dishes

This bake begs for something simple but substantial on the side. Spoon it over fluffy white rice, nutty quinoa, or pearl couscous so they can soak up all those juicy, cheesy, herby pan juices. A fresh green salad or a loaf of warm, crusty bread transforms the Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake into an effortlessly complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant dinner, spoon generous portions into individual shallow bowls and garnish each with extra cheese and herbs. Hosting friends? Serve the bake family-style, straight out of the dish, for rustic, irresistible appeal. Or, for a colorful twist, scoop the bake into grilled bell pepper halves for a party-ready presentation that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and that’s a big if!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors of Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake actually deepen overnight, making lunch the next day something to look forward to. Make sure the dish has cooled completely before refrigerating for best texture and safety.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, though keep in mind that zucchini can release extra water when thawed. If you’d like to freeze it, allow the Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake to cool, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. For the best results, defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating, and consider gently draining any excess liquid that might result.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly—about 20 minutes usually does the trick. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave individual portions in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each, until heated through. A quick sprinkle of fresh cheese and parsley before serving revives the flavors and presentation beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this bake—they’re a bit juicier and add extra richness to the Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces as you would with breasts.

Is it okay to prep the dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble everything (up to the point of baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. When ready to cook, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll be starting cold.

What if I want a vegetarian version?

For a meatless twist, substitute the chicken with canned chickpeas or cubes of firm tofu. The rest of the flavors shine just as bright, and you’ll still have a hearty, satisfying Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Try adding sliced bell peppers, baby spinach, or even artichoke hearts for extra layers of Mediterranean goodness. Just avoid overcrowding the baking dish so everything cooks evenly.

Which cheese should I use—mozzarella or feta?

It’s all about personal taste! Mozzarella offers a melty, mild finish, while feta brings tangy, salty character that’s distinctly Mediterranean. Use one or both for your perfect Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake experience.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience how comforting, fresh, and colorful this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is. It’s the type of weeknight favorite you’ll want to share with family, friends, and anyone who loves a meal that feels just a little bit like a Mediterranean getaway. Enjoy every bite!