Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake

This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake combines fresh garden vegetables with tender chicken and tangy feta for a wholesome one-dish meal that captures those bright coastal flavors. The dish transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying dinner that feels both nourishing and indulgent.

I first created this recipe when my garden was overflowing with summer zucchini and I needed something beyond the usual grilled vegetables. Now it's become our go-to healthy comfort food that even my vegetable-skeptical nephew asks for by name.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis: Sliced into half moons. Choose firm zucchini with unblemished skin for best texture
• 1 lb cooked chicken breast: Either shredded or diced. Using rotisserie chicken saves tremendous time
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes: Halved. The sweeter the better, look for deeply colored fruits
• 1/2 red onion: Thinly sliced. Red onions provide a milder flavor than yellow varieties
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Authentic Greek feta made from sheep milk offers the richest flavor
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Mediterranean oregano has a more intense flavor than Mexican varieties
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides even flavor distribution throughout the dish
• Salt and pepper to taste: Diamond Crystal kosher salt works particularly well here
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Extra virgin adds the most flavor but any olive oil works fine
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley: Chopped. Flat leaf Italian parsley has more pronounced flavor than curly

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat The Oven:

Set your oven to 375°F and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the ingredients. Position the rack in the middle of the oven for even heat distribution. A properly preheated oven ensures the vegetables cook evenly without becoming soggy.

Season The Vegetables:

In a large mixing bowl combine your sliced zucchini half moons, cherry tomato halves, and thinly sliced red onion. Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss thoroughly using your hands or large spoons until every piece is lightly coated with oil and seasonings.

Incorporate The Chicken:

Add your cooked diced or shredded chicken to the vegetable mixture. Gently fold everything together, being careful not to break up the chicken pieces too much. The goal is to distribute the chicken evenly throughout the vegetables while maintaining texture.

Prepare The Baking Dish:

Transfer the entire mixture to a baking dish approximately 9x13 inches that has been lightly greased with olive oil or cooking spray. Spread the mixture in an even layer to ensure consistent cooking. Press down slightly to create a somewhat compact layer.

Add The Cheese:

Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly across the top of the mixture. The feta will brown slightly during baking and create a wonderful savory crust on top of the vegetables and chicken.

Bake To Perfection:

Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You'll know it's done when the vegetables are tender when pierced with a fork, the edges begin to caramelize, and the feta has softened and started to turn golden in spots.

Rest Before Serving:

Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to settle and the excess moisture to be reabsorbed, making serving neater.

Garnish And Serve:

Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley across the top just before serving. This adds a burst of color and fresh flavor that brightens the entire dish. Serve warm directly from the baking dish.

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The cherry tomatoes are truly the secret star of this dish. As they bake, they release their sweet juices creating a light natural sauce that infuses the entire casserole. My grandmother always said tomatoes and zucchini were meant to be together and this recipe proves her wisdom every time.

Make Ahead Options

This dish excels as a make ahead meal. You can prepare everything up to the baking stage, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply remove from the refrigerator while the oven preheats, add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time and continue as directed. The flavors actually develop beautifully during the rest period, making this an excellent option for busy weeknights or entertaining.

Customization Ideas

The basic Mediterranean framework of this recipe welcomes many variations. Try swapping the zucchini for yellow summer squash or adding eggplant cubes for a heartier ratatouille-inspired version. Replace the feta with goat cheese for a creamier result or use mozzarella for a more melty texture. Add kalamata olives, artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers for additional Mediterranean flair. The chicken can be replaced with chickpeas for a vegetarian option or with white beans for additional protein and fiber.

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Serving Suggestions

This versatile dish works beautifully alongside simple accompaniments. Serve over cooked quinoa or brown rice to create a complete meal, or with a crusty whole grain bread to soak up the flavorful juices. A simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil makes a perfect complement to the warm casserole. For a more substantial feast, consider serving with warm pita bread and a side of tzatziki or hummus to enhance the Mediterranean theme.

Historical Context

This dish draws inspiration from several Mediterranean traditions, particularly Greek and Italian countryside cooking where seasonal vegetables and modest amounts of protein are combined in rustic one-pot meals. The combination of tomatoes, zucchini, herbs, and cheese is a classic pairing found throughout the Mediterranean basin, particularly in summer and early fall when gardens are producing abundantly. While not strictly traditional, this recipe captures the spirit of Mediterranean cooking with its emphasis on fresh ingredients, simple preparation, and balanced flavors.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Yes, but ensure the chicken is cut into small pieces and fully cooked before mixing with the other ingredients. You may need to adjust cooking time accordingly.

→ What can I substitute for feta cheese?

You can use goat cheese, ricotta, or shredded mozzarella as a substitute if you prefer a different flavor or texture.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the ingredients and refrigerate the dish up to a day in advance. Bake just before serving for optimal freshness.

→ What other vegetables can I use?

Feel free to substitute or add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or eggplant for a unique twist.

→ Can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative.