Best Mediterranean Chicken Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Best Mediterranean Chicken Bake is a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Packed with fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and melted cheese, it’s an easy way to bring Mediterranean flavors to your table.

Ingredients

• 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)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin is 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)
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss everything together until well coated.
3. Step 3: Spread the seasoned mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
4. Step 4: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through.
5. Step 5: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your Mediterranean chicken fresh from the oven!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil and herbs for 30 minutes before baking.
• Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result if preferred.
• Add kalamata olives or artichoke hearts for additional Mediterranean flair.
• Serve over cooked couscous or rice for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This dish does not freeze well due to the fresh vegetables and cheese texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh chicken for even cooking. If using frozen, be sure to fully thaw the chicken before preparing the dish.

What can I substitute for mozzarella cheese?

You can use feta or goat cheese for a different Mediterranean twist, though the texture and flavor will vary slightly from mozzarella.

Best Mediterranean Chicken Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 96 reviews

A flavorful and easy Mediterranean Chicken Bake featuring tender chicken breast pieces, fresh zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This one-dish meal is perfect for a wholesome dinner with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.

• Author: Felix
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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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 Cheese

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

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
2. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cut chicken breasts, sliced zucchinis, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and minced garlic. Add olive oil along with dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Toss thoroughly until all the ingredients are well coated with the oil and spices.
3. Arrange in baking dish: Spread the seasoned mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish in a single layer to promote even cooking and roasting.
4. Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses generously over the top of the chicken and vegetables.
5. Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to allow the chicken to cook through and the vegetables to soften.
6. Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and slightly crispy.
7. Garnish and serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a bright, fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy your Mediterranean chicken bake.

Notes

• Ensure chicken pieces are cut evenly for uniform cooking.
• Use extra virgin olive oil for a richer Mediterranean flavor.
• Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice subtle heat.
• Covering with foil initially helps prevent over-browning while chicken cooks through.
• You can substitute mozzarella with a lighter cheese option if desired.
• Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld.

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken bake, baked chicken recipe, healthy Mediterranean dinner, chicken and vegetables bake, oven-baked chicken