Cheesy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Dinner

If you’re craving a dinner that feels indulgent yet wholesome, comforting yet fresh, this Cheesy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake checks every box. It’s the kind of recipe that brings together bold Mediterranean flavors—olive oil, herbs, juicy tomatoes, briny olives—with tender chicken, roasted zucchini, and a generous layer of melty cheese. Best of all, it all comes together in one baking dish, making cleanup just as easy as preparation.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep Sundays, or when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. The balance of protein, vegetables, and cheese makes it satisfying, while the Mediterranean ingredients keep it light and vibrant rather than heavy.

Unlike traditional casseroles that rely on cream soups or excessive starches, this chicken zucchini casserole is naturally gluten-free and can easily be adapted for low-carb or keto lifestyles. It’s proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated—or boring.

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Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Chicken Bake

This recipe isn’t just another baked chicken dish. It’s a carefully balanced combination of textures and flavors that keeps you coming back for seconds.

• Juicy, tender chicken baked directly with vegetables so it absorbs every flavor
• Zucchini stays perfectly tender, not watery, thanks to proper layering
• Cheese lovers rejoice: mozzarella adds stretch, feta adds tang
• Mediterranean flavors keep the dish fresh and aromatic
• One-pan simplicity means fewer dishes and less stress

Whether you’re cooking for family or prepping meals ahead of time, this bake fits effortlessly into your routine.

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Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Zucchini, sliced into half-moons
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Olive oil
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Kalamata olives, sliced
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a medium baking dish with olive oil.
2. In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
3. Spread the seasoned chicken evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
4. Layer zucchini slices over the chicken, followed by cherry tomatoes, red onion, and olives.
5. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the vegetables, then finish with crumbled feta.
6. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
7. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden and the chicken is cooked through.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.

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Mediterranean Inspiration Behind the Dish

Mediterranean cuisine is known for its emphasis on fresh vegetables, lean proteins, olive oil, and herbs. This Mediterranean chicken recipe draws inspiration from Greek and coastal Italian cooking, where baked dishes often highlight natural flavors rather than masking them.

Zucchini is a staple vegetable throughout the Mediterranean region, frequently roasted or baked with olive oil and herbs. Feta cheese adds saltiness and depth, while mozzarella brings balance with its mild creaminess. Together, they create a dish that feels both rustic and modern.

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Tips for the Best Chicken Zucchini Casserole

• Cut zucchini evenly to ensure it cooks at the same rate
• Don’t over-salt early—feta and olives add plenty of saltiness
• Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting
• Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving to set the layers

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Easy Variations

• Low-carb/keto: Skip tomatoes and add spinach instead
• Extra protein: Add chickpeas or white beans
• Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes
• Dairy-free: Use plant-based cheese alternatives

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What to Serve With It

This baked chicken zucchini dish pairs beautifully with:

• Lemon rice or herbed quinoa
• Warm pita bread
• Simple cucumber yogurt salad
• Roasted potatoes or cauliflower

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Make-Ahead & Storage

• Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance
• Refrigerate: Store leftovers up to 4 days
• Freeze: Freeze baked portions for up to 2 months

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Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is everything a modern home cook wants: flavorful, nourishing, easy, and endlessly adaptable. It’s a dish that feels special enough for guests yet simple enough for weeknights—and once you try it, it’s bound to become a regular on your dinner table.