A delicious, cheesy one-dish dinner made with tender chicken, zucchini, juicy tomatoes, Mediterranean herbs, and melted cheese. Easy, comforting, and perfect for a family dinner!

Servings: 4–6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: About 50 minutes

 Ingredients

Chicken & Vegetables

• 1½ lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 3 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds or half-moons
• 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes, optional

Cheese Topping

• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup (50 g) shredded Parmesan
• ¼ cup (30 g) crumbled feta, optional
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Optional Mediterranean Additions

• ¼ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• 2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Extra fresh oregano or parsley

 Instructions

1. Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish with olive oil.

2. Season the chicken

Place the diced chicken in a large bowl.

Add:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Oregano
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Thyme

Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.

3. Prepare the vegetables

Add the zucchini, tomatoes, onion, and garlic to another bowl.

Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and toss gently.

4. Combine

Add the seasoned chicken and vegetables to the prepared baking dish.

Spread everything into an even layer.

If using olives or sun-dried tomatoes, scatter them over the top.

5. Bake

Bake uncovered for approximately 20–25 minutes.

Stir gently once during cooking if needed.

6. Add the cheese

Remove the dish from the oven.

Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan. Add feta if using.

Return to the oven and bake for another 8–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.

7. Check the chicken

The thickest pieces of chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

8. Finish

Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Serve warm!

 Tips for the Best Chicken Zucchini Bake

• Don’t slice zucchini too thin, or it can become overly soft.
• Cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces so it cooks evenly.
• If your zucchini is especially watery, lightly salt it and let it sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking dish; spreading everything evenly helps it roast rather than steam.
• For extra browning, place the dish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.

 Nut & Allergy Information

This recipe is naturally free of peanuts and tree nuts as written.

Potential allergens:

• Milk/dairy: mozzarella, Parmesan, and feta
• Gluten: the basic recipe is naturally gluten-free, but check packaged seasonings and cheese if necessary.

Nut-free

No nuts are needed.

Dairy-free

Use your favorite dairy-free mozzarella and Parmesan alternatives, or simply omit the cheese.

 Easy Variations

 Lemon Chicken

Add the zest of 1 lemon and 1–2 tbsp lemon juice.

 Greek-Style

Add Kalamata olives and feta.

 Spicy

Add red pepper flakes or a little chopped chili.

 Mushroom Version

Add 1–2 cups sliced mushrooms.

 Spinach Version

Stir in 2 cups fresh spinach during the final few minutes of baking.

 Recipe Q&A

Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work very well and remain juicy.

Can I use frozen zucchini?
Fresh zucchini is recommended because frozen zucchini releases more water and can make the casserole watery.

Can I prepare it ahead?
Yes. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate for up to about 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Can I use other cheese?
Absolutely. Try Monterey Jack, provolone, cheddar, or a Mediterranean cheese blend.

Can I make it without cheese?
Yes. The chicken and vegetables are flavorful enough without it.

How do I know the chicken is cooked?
Use a food thermometer. The thickest chicken pieces should reach 165°F (74°C).

How long do leftovers last?
Store covered in the refrigerator and use within 3–4 days.

Can I freeze it?
You can, although zucchini may become softer after thawing. For the best texture, it’s better enjoyed fresh.

Can I make this low-carb?
Yes. The basic recipe is naturally relatively low in carbohydrates and contains no pasta, rice, or bread.

 Approximate Nutrition

Per serving, assuming 6 servings:

• Calories: ~350–400 kcal
• Protein: ~38–42 g
• Carbohydrates: ~10–14 g
• Fat: ~18–21 g
• Fiber: ~3–4 g

Nutrition is approximate and varies according to the chicken, cheese, and exact portion sizes.

🍽️ What to Serve With It

Try it with:

• Greek salad
• Brown rice
• Quinoa
• Crusty bread
• Couscous
• Roasted potatoes
• Tzatziki
• Extra steamed vegetables