Description
This Best Mediterranean Chicken Bake is a flavorful, wholesome dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Juicy bite-sized chicken pieces are combined with fresh zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and garlic, seasoned with classic Mediterranean herbs and spices. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, it’s baked to perfection until golden and bubbly. Garnished with fresh parsley, this recipe offers a healthy, delicious meal that captures the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 medium zucchinis (sliced into half-moons)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ½ piece red onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
- 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)
Cheeses and Garnish
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken breasts, sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and minced garlic. Add the olive oil, dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Toss everything thoroughly until all ingredients are coated evenly with the oil and spices.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Spread the seasoned mixture evenly in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. This ensures uniform cooking and browning.
- Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and vegetables for a rich, gooey finish.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This steams the chicken gently, keeping it moist.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from oven and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a bright, fresh finish. Serve warm and enjoy your Mediterranean chicken bake.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase or omit the red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
- You can substitute the chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Make sure to cut the chicken into similar sized pieces for even cooking.
- Use fresh herbs if available to enhance flavor, but dried herbs work well too.
- Covering the dish initially helps to keep the chicken moist; don’t skip this step.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
