Some nights just feel like they need something warm, simple, and soul-satisfying. That was me last week standing in front of the fridge, tired and a little hungry, craving something fresh but comforting. I tossed together some chicken, zucchini, and what little cheese I had, and out came this cozy Mediterranean chicken zucchini bake. It’s now in our weekly dinner rotation.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
This one-pan dish is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It’s quick to prep, cooks in just 30 minutes, and fills your kitchen with the rich aroma of herbs and roasted veggies.
You’ll love how:
- The chicken stays juicy and tender
- Zucchini soaks up all the garlicky goodness
- It’s low in carbs, gluten-free, and still feels like comfort food
And with only one dish to wash, it’s honestly just what a tired Tuesday needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 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 the Cheesy Topping
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or crumbled feta for more tang)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray.
Step 2 – Mix Chicken, Veggies, and Seasonings
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and garlic.
Drizzle the olive oil over the top. Then sprinkle in all the Mediterranean spices.
Toss everything together until coated evenly.
Step 3 – Layer and Bake
Pour the mixture into your baking dish.
Spread it out into an even layer.
Top it with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Step 4 – Finish with Cheese and Garnish
After 20 minutes, remove the foil.
Bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is golden and the chicken hits 165°F.
Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve while hot.
Expert Cooking Tips
- Cut your zucchini and chicken into even pieces so they cook at the same rate.
- Use fresh parsley if you can—it really brightens everything.
- Keep an eye during the last 10 minutes. Overbaking can dry out the chicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t skip seasoning. This dish leans on herbs and spices for flavor.
- Avoid piling on too much cheese. A light sprinkle gives that golden top without extra grease.
- Give your ingredients space in the dish. Overcrowding makes it steam instead of roast.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Fluffy couscous, lemon rice, or quinoa
- Warm pita or crusty bread for scooping
- A cool side like tzatziki or a bright Greek salad
For something low-carb, try it with this ground beef and zucchini skillet or even just a splash of lemon juice on top for extra zing.
Storage, Reheating & Freezing Guide
How to Store
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tips
In the oven: 350°F for 10 minutes
In the microwave: Reheat in 30-second bursts until warmed through
Can You Freeze It?
Yes! Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you like a richer texture
- Toss in more veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms
- Make it dairy-free by skipping the cheese or using a vegan option
You might also enjoy this chicken and zucchini recipe made in one skillet if you’re looking for an easy stovetop version.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What vegetables go with Mediterranean chicken?
Great options include zucchini, bell peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, eggplant, and olives.
Can you eat zucchini on the Mediterranean diet?
Absolutely! Zucchini is a staple vegetable in many Mediterranean dishes. It’s low in calories and high in fiber.
What to serve with Mediterranean chicken zucchini bake?
Serve it with couscous, quinoa, or brown rice. You can also add a fresh green salad, lemon wedges, or creamy tzatziki.
What goes with chicken and zucchini?
They pair well with feta, olives, garlic, lemon, and Mediterranean herbs like oregano and thyme.
Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe Card
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Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake (Easy & Amazing Recipe)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A quick and healthy Mediterranean chicken zucchini bake packed with fresh vegetables, lean protein, and bold flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights.
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
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)
Topping:
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or feta)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, toss chicken, zucchini, tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, and seasonings.
3. Spread mixture evenly in baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
4. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
5. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until cheese is golden and chicken is cooked through.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Cut vegetables evenly for best texture.
Use fresh herbs for a brighter flavor.
Avoid overbaking to keep the chicken juicy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
More Such Recipes
Craving more ideas like this? Try these next:
- Cheesy mozzarella chicken bake with Mediterranean flair
- Garlic butter chicken with zucchini and corn
Final Thoughts
Mediterranean chicken zucchini bake hits that sweet spot between healthy and comforting.
It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and works well for meal prep too.
If you try it, I’d love to hear how it turned out leave a comment or tag me on Pinterest or Facebook. Let’s keep dinner simple, warm, and always delicious.