Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a delightful and healthy one-dish meal featuring tender chicken cutlets baked with fresh zucchini, tomatoes, onions, and topped with a flavorful blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Infused with garlic, oregano, and olive oil, it brings vibrant Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced horizontally to make 4 cutlets
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 1 teaspoon instant chicken stock (optional)
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Vegetables
- 1 zucchini, thinly sliced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 onion, chopped
Cheeses
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Place the four chicken breast cutlets on a shallow plate and season them evenly with olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, instant chicken stock if using, salt, and black pepper to infuse flavor.
- Assemble the Bake: Transfer the seasoned chicken breasts to a baking dish. Layer the chopped onion, thinly sliced zucchini, and chopped tomatoes evenly over the chicken. Lightly sprinkle the vegetables with the remaining salt and pepper, then drizzle with a bit more olive oil to keep everything moist.
- Add the Cheese Topping: Generously sprinkle shredded Parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the top of the layered chicken and vegetables to create a rich, cheesy crust that will melt beautifully when baked.
- Bake Until Done: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF (75ºC). For a golden, bubbly cheese finish, broil for the last 2-3 minutes if desired.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow flavors to settle. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This bake pairs wonderfully with cauliflower rice, plain rice, or couscous for a complete meal. Enjoy your flavorful Mediterranean feast!
Notes
- You can substitute fresh oregano with dried oregano if fresh is unavailable.
- Instant chicken stock is optional but adds an extra depth of savory flavor.
- Broiling at the end is optional but enhances the cheese crust and adds texture.
- Serve with a side of grains or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
