A delicious, colorful Mediterranean-style chicken bake made with tender chicken, zucchini, juicy cherry tomatoes, melted mozzarella, garlic, Italian herbs, and fresh basil. It’s high in protein, comforting, and perfect for an easy family dinner. Similar chicken-zucchini bakes commonly use a 400°F/200°C oven and finish the dish with melted mozzarella.
Ingredients
Servings: 4
- 1½ lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds or half-moons
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½–1 tsp salt, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Season the chicken: Add chicken to a bowl with 1 tbsp olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
- Sear the chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 3–4 minutes, just until lightly browned. It does not need to be completely cooked yet.
- Prepare the vegetables: Add zucchini and cherry tomatoes to the baking dish. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and toss gently with a little salt and pepper.
- Layer: Spread the chicken evenly among the vegetables.
- Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake for approximately 20–25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Add cheese: Remove the foil and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Return to the oven for 5–8 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden.
- For extra browning, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.
- Rest: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish generously with fresh basil and serve warm.
Important: Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 400–430 kcal
- Protein: 40–44 g
- Carbohydrates: 9–12 g
- Fat: 21–24 g
- Fiber: 2–3 g
- Sugar: 5–6 g
- Sodium: approximately 500–600 mg
Nutrition varies depending on the exact chicken, cheese, and amount of olive oil used. Comparable chicken-zucchini mozzarella bakes provide roughly 385–440 calories and 39–42 g protein per serving.
Why You’ll Love It
- High in protein
- Vegetable-packed
- Low in carbohydrates
- One-dish dinner
- Easy weeknight meal
- Great for meal prep
- Fresh Mediterranean-style flavors
- Naturally rich in protein, vitamin C, and calcium
Q&A
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work very well. Cook until they reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
Q: Can I make this without mozzarella?
Absolutely. You can use Parmesan, feta, provolone, or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Q: Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Yes. Cut them into small wedges or thick slices so they hold their shape during baking.
Q: Can I add more vegetables?
Yes! Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, red onion, or broccoli are excellent additions.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the chicken and vegetables ahead of time, refrigerate, then bake when ready. Add the cheese toward the end for the best texture.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
It can fit a low-carb or keto-style meal plan because it contains chicken, zucchini, tomatoes, cheese, and olive oil with relatively few carbohydrates. Check your individual nutrition targets.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Yes, although the zucchini and tomatoes may become softer after thawing. For best texture, refrigerate leftovers rather than freezing.
Serving Ideas
Serve this cheesy chicken bake with:
- Fresh green salad
- Cucumber and tomato salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Cauliflower rice
- Quinoa
- Crusty whole-grain bread Save this recipe for an easy, cheesy, veggie-packed dinner!