Description
A flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake featuring tender chicken cutlets baked with fresh zucchini, tomatoes, onions, and a delicious blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This simple yet satisfying dish combines aromatic herbs and spices, making it perfect for a wholesome dinner served alongside cauliflower rice, traditional rice, or couscous.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced horizontally to make 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
- 1 zucchini, thinly sliced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 onion, chopped
Cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Place the four chicken breast cutlets onto a shallow plate and season evenly with olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, instant chicken stock (if using), salt, and black pepper. Allow the flavors to infuse the chicken while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Assemble in baking dish: Transfer the seasoned chicken cutlets to a baking dish. Layer the chopped onion, sliced zucchini, and chopped tomatoes evenly on top of the chicken. Sprinkle the vegetables with salt and pepper and drizzle with a little olive oil to enhance roasting.
- Add cheese topping: Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and vegetable mixture, ensuring an even coverage for a flavorful, golden crust.
- Bake the dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and juices run clear. To caramelize the cheese and add a crispy finish, broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes if desired, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow flavors to settle and juices to redistribute. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake pairs wonderfully with cauliflower rice, regular rice, or couscous for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute fresh oregano with dried oregano but adjust quantity accordingly to taste.
- Broiling at the end is optional but adds a delightful cheesy crust.
- Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Instant chicken stock enhances flavor but can be omitted for a simpler dish.
- Resting the dish after baking helps retain moisture in the chicken.
