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Flavorful & Easy! Recipe

Flavorful & Easy! Recipe
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★★★★★

5.3 from 13 reviews

This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner. Combining tender chicken breasts with fresh zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and savory herbs, then topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, this bake delivers a delicious Mediterranean flair with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Vegetables

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings & Oil

  • Olive oil (about 2-3 tablespoons)
  • 2 tablespoons dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Cheeses & Garnish

  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature for even cooking of the chicken and vegetables.
  2. Prepare the baking dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and add flavor.
  3. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces, sliced zucchinis, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and minced garlic.
  4. Season and mix: Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and sprinkle in the dried oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss everything thoroughly to coat flavors evenly.
  5. Layer in baking dish: Spread the seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish for uniform cooking.
  6. Add cheese topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the mixture.
  7. Bake covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to allow the chicken to cook through and the vegetables to soften.
  8. Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and bubbly.
  9. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving to add a fresh herbal note and color contrast.

Notes

  • For juicier chicken, consider marinating the chicken pieces in olive oil and herbs for 30 minutes before baking.
  • You can substitute mozzarella with a low-fat cheese option for a lighter version.
  • Serve with a side of quinoa or whole-grain bread for a complete meal.
  • Red pepper flakes add heat; adjust the quantity to taste or omit if sensitive to spice.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken bake, zucchini chicken casserole, healthy chicken dinner, easy Mediterranean recipe, baked chicken with vegetables

Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/flavorful-and-easy-recipe/