Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake

📖 Description

This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a comforting, oven-baked dish packed with tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, and zucchini slices, all coated in fragrant Mediterranean herbs and melted cheese. It’s light yet satisfying, naturally low-carb, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Everything bakes together in one dish, making it both flavorful and fuss-free.

🥒 Ingredients

500 g (1 lb) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp thyme
½ tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional additions

Sliced black olives
Crumbled feta cheese
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
In a large bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add the zucchini slices and cherry tomatoes and gently mix to coat.
Transfer everything into a lightly greased baking dish and spread evenly.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top.
Return to oven and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread
Pair with rice, quinoa, or couscous
Enjoy on its own for a low-carb meal
Great for meal prep and reheats well

🧊 Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days
Reheat in oven or microwave until warmed through
Not recommended for freezing due to zucchini texture

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
A: Yes! Chicken thighs will be juicier and add more flavor. Adjust cooking time slightly if pieces are larger.

Q: How do I prevent the dish from becoming watery?
A: Avoid overloading with zucchini and don’t salt vegetables too early. You can also pat zucchini dry before baking.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Absolutely. Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Q: Is this dish keto-friendly?
A: Yes! It’s naturally low in carbs, especially if served without grains.

Q: Can I add more vegetables?
A: Definitely—bell peppers, red onion, mushrooms, or spinach work great.