This Healthy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a colorful and tasty dish! It features tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and bright tomatoes—all baked together with yummy herbs.
It’s a joy to make this bake because it’s so simple! I love how the flavors mix in the oven. Plus, it makes a perfect one-pan meal, which means less cleaning for me! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep the dish lean and healthy. Alternatively, you can use thighs for a juicier option or even turkey breast if you prefer.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds great texture. If you want a different veggie, try yellow squash or even eggplant in place of zucchini for a unique twist!
Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes bring brightness. Canned diced tomatoes are a great substitute. If you love herbs, sun-dried tomatoes can add extra flavor as well.
Cheese: Part-skim mozzarella cheese melts well and is lighter. For a stronger taste, you can switch it with feta cheese, which fits nicely with the Mediterranean theme.
How Can You Make Sure Your Chicken is Juicy and Cooked Right?
To keep the chicken moist and perfectly cooked, follow these tips:
- Don’t overcook! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for the recommended time and check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Cover the dish with foil during the first part of baking to trap moisture. Remove it only to brown the cheese at the end.
- Let it rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. This allows juices to redistribute throughout the chicken.
Healthy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 40-45 minutes to cook, for a total of around 55-60 minutes. Perfect for a delicious, healthy dinner without a lot of fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Base:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, toss in the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until it’s soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic, cooking for just 1 more minute until you can smell that delicious fragrance. Once done, take it off the heat.
3. Season the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and season them well on both sides with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. This will give them lots of flavor!
4. Build the Bake:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Next, spoon that yummy onion and garlic mixture evenly over the chicken.
5. Layer the Veggies:
Now, it’s time to layer! Arranging the sliced zucchinis and diced tomatoes over the chicken and onion mixture. This will create a lovely veggie topping.
6. Add a Kick:
If you enjoy a little heat, sprinkle the crushed red pepper flakes over the veggies.
7. Top with Cheese:
Finish this off by evenly distributing the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of everything. It’s going to melt beautifully!
8. Bake:
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and pop it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes to let everything cook together.
9. Uncover and Brown:
After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
10. Rest and Serve:
When it’s done baking, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps it settle and makes it easier to serve.
11. Garnish and Enjoy:
Before serving, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for color and flavor. If you like, add some lemon wedges on the side for a refreshing squeeze over the dish. Enjoy your healthy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake!
FAQ for Healthy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the zucchini for other vegetables like yellow squash, bell peppers, or even eggplant. The key is to slice them thinly so they cook through in the baking time.
What If I Don’t Have Mozzarella Cheese?
No problem! You can substitute with any cheese that melts well, such as fontina, provolone, or even a sprinkle of feta for a tangy twist!
Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the dish a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just allow extra cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or bake it in the oven until warmed through.
