Baked Chicken with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Mozzarella

Description

This Baked Chicken with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Mozzarella is a fresh, flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy seasoned chicken breasts are baked with tender zucchini, sweet cherry tomatoes, and melted mozzarella, then finished with Italian herbs and fresh basil. It’s a wholesome, low-carb dinner that’s easy to prepare and full of Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• 1 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and oregano.
3. Arrange the chicken in the baking dish and surround it with the zucchini slices and cherry tomatoes.
4. Drizzle everything with olive oil and sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the top.
5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Remove the dish from the oven and top each chicken breast with slices of fresh mozzarella.
7. Return to the oven for 5–7 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish with fresh basil and drizzle with balsamic glaze, if desired. Serve immediately.

Q&A

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and may need an additional 5–10 minutes of baking time.

Q: Can I use shredded mozzarella?
A: Absolutely. Fresh mozzarella provides a creamier texture, but shredded mozzarella melts beautifully too.

Q: What side dishes pair well with this meal?
A: Rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a crisp green salad all make excellent sides.

Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.