Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy boneless, skinless chicken breasts are seasoned with garlic, oregano, and chicken stock powder, then baked with fresh zucchini, tomatoes, onions, and topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for a delicious and healthy meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, it pairs wonderfully with cauliflower rice, traditional rice, or couscous.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced horizontally into 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 and Cheese
- 1 zucchini, thinly sliced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Season Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Place the four chicken breast cutlets on a shallow plate and evenly coat them with olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, instant chicken stock powder (if using), and half of the salt and black pepper.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the seasoned chicken cutlets into a baking dish in a single layer. Top the chicken with chopped onion, thinly sliced zucchini, and chopped tomatoes. Sprinkle the vegetables with the remaining salt and black pepper and drizzle a bit more olive oil over the top for flavor and moisture.
- Add Cheese Toppings: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and vegetables, creating a flavorful cheesy crust during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165ºF or 74ºC). For a golden, bubbly top, broil the dish for the last 2 to 3 minutes if desired.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the flavors to settle. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy over cauliflower rice, traditional rice, or couscous for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a lower carb option, serve over cauliflower rice instead of couscous or white rice.
- If you prefer, substitute dried oregano with fresh oregano for a brighter flavor.
- Broiling at the end enhances the cheese crust but is optional.
- To ensure chicken cooks evenly, slice breasts into cutlets of similar thickness.
- Use instant chicken stock powder sparingly as it adds flavor but also sodium.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
