Name: Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 28 min
Total time: 43 min
Cuisine: Fusion (Mexican-Indian inspired)
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon oil; 2 garlic cloves (finely chopped); ¼ cup finely chopped onion; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans; ½ teaspoon cumin powder; ½ teaspoon paprika powder; 2 cups shredded chicken (leftover grilled chicken recommended); 1 avocado; 1 cup yogurt; Zest of 1 lemon; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 3 tablespoons green chutney; ½ teaspoon salt; 5 to 6 tortillas; 1 cup mozzarella cheese; Finely chopped cilantro leaves for garnish

If you’re craving something comforting but with a fresh, vibrant twist, you’re going to love this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe. It’s a wonderful blend of tender chicken, zucchini, and Mediterranean flavors baked together into one satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug from the oven. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it over and over again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday ingredients that come together in an easy, fuss-free way.
Flavorful and Fresh: The Mediterranean herbs and spices give it a bright, fresh taste you’ll crave.
Healthy and Hearty: Packed with lean protein and fresh veggies, it’s nourishing without feeling heavy.
Family Approved: My family goes crazy for this dish, and I bet yours will too!

A white baking dish holds a baked casserole with three visible layers: a green creamy base with herbs, a middle layer mostly hidden but with bits of red, and a top layer of melted golden-brown cheese sprinkled with chopped green herbs. A metal spatula lies partially inside the dish on the right side. A white plate with grey swirls sits to the right with a rectangular piece of casserole showing the same layers and topped with green herbs. A black fork rests on the plate. Above these, a small white plate holds two lemon wedges, and next to it, a smaller white bowl with a blue design contains chopped green herbs. A striped cloth napkin is under the baking dish, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

When I put together this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe, I always start with fresh, quality ingredients — they really bring out the flavors. Once you have them prepped, the recipe comes together in no time.

Chicken: I love using shredded leftover grilled chicken for that smoky flavor, but rotisserie chicken works just as well.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini sliced thin helps keep the bake light and adds a subtle sweetness.
Garlic and Onion: These aromatics build a flavorful base that’s classic in Mediterranean cooking.
Cannellini Beans: They add creaminess and protein, making the bake hearty without being heavy.
Spices (Cumin and Paprika): They bring warmth and depth – don’t skip them!
Green Chutney: This is my secret weapon for a fresh, zesty punch that wakes up the whole dish.
Yogurt and Avocado: Together, they make a luscious sauce that keeps the bake moist and creamy.
Mozzarella Cheese: For gooey, melty goodness on top – essential for that golden finish.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro leaves brighten the final dish with a burst of color and flavor.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe is how easily you can adapt it to your taste or dietary needs. Feel free to tweak the flavors and ingredients to make it truly yours!

Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken with extra beans or roasted chickpeas for a comforting, meatless bake I’ve enjoyed many times.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a touch of harissa to the sauce if you want an extra kick – my husband always requests this tweak!
Cheese Swap: Try feta instead of mozzarella for that classic Mediterranean tang – it pairs beautifully with the zucchini and herbs.
Seasonal Veggies: Add eggplant, bell peppers, or tomatoes for more color and depth when those are in season.

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Beans

Start by heating a tablespoon of oil in a heavy-bottom pan over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped garlic and onion with a pinch of salt, then sauté for about 2 minutes until softened and fragrant — this step builds a flavorful base you don’t want to rush. Next, add the drained cannellini beans in an even layer; let them sizzle for a minute before tossing. Sprinkle in cumin and paprika, and cook for another 2 minutes. This elevates the beans with a warm, smoky aroma that’s so inviting.

Step 2: Mix in the Chicken and Prep the Sauce

Now, add your shredded chicken to the pan and combine everything well, seasoning with salt to taste. While the filling is simmering gently, blend together avocado, yogurt, lemon zest and juice, green chutney, and a pinch of salt until smooth — this creamy sauce adds freshness and binds the bake nicely. Be sure to taste and adjust salt or lemon juice as you like; I find a little extra lemon juice really brightens things up.

Step 3: Assemble the Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 13×9 inch casserole dish with some of that sauce to prevent sticking and add flavor. To make the tortillas easier to fold, microwave them for about 20 seconds — this is a trick I discovered that saves you from cracked edges. Spoon a generous amount of filling onto each tortilla, drizzle a bit of sauce and sprinkle some mozzarella, then fold over and arrange them seam side down in the dish. Layer zucchini slices between or on top if you like more veggie texture.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Spread the remaining sauce over the layered tortillas and sprinkle the rest of your mozzarella cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. You’ll love the aroma that fills your kitchen at this point — it’s the best signal that dinner’s almost ready!

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Pro Tips for Making Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe

Don’t Skip the Sauce: This creamy green chutney-yogurt sauce is what ties the whole bake together, adding moisture and zing.
Tender Zucchini Slices: Slice them thin so they cook evenly and blend beautifully into the layers.
Warm Tortillas for Flexibility: Microwaving the tortillas prevents breakage when folding—such a simple but game-changing trick!
Use Leftover Chicken: I always use leftover grilled chicken for added flavor; it also speeds up prep time.

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe

The image shows a rectangular white baking dish filled with a cheesy baked lasagna. The top layer is golden brown and bubbly melted cheese with hints of green herbs sprinkled evenly across it. Underneath, hints of a green sauce peek through the edges, likely pesto or spinach, sitting on a firm, slightly browned base. The dish rests on a white marbled surface with scattered bits of chopped herbs, lemon wedges on the side, and a striped blue and white cloth partially visible nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this bake with freshly chopped cilantro — it adds a pop of color and that classic Mediterranean herbal brightness. A little extra lemon zest or a few lemon wedges on the side is perfect if you want a tangy finish.

Side Dishes

Pair this bake with a simple Greek salad or warm pita bread for a complete meal. Roasted veggies or a light couscous with herbs make excellent sides, too. I often serve it with some tzatziki on the side for extra creaminess and flavor contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For family dinners or small gatherings, I sometimes bake this in individual ramekins to serve personalized portions—always a crowd-pleaser! You can also layer the components in a clear glass bake dish so everyone sees those gorgeous green and golden layers before digging in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I’ve found that letting the bake cool completely before storing helps retain moisture and flavor — just reheat gently before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until heated through. This has saved me many busy weeknights!

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to keep it moist, for about 15 minutes. If you’re short on time, a quick zap in the microwave works too—just cover it to avoid drying out the edges.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini in this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe?

Absolutely! While zucchini is the classic choice that keeps the dish light and fresh, you can add eggplant, bell peppers, or even thinly sliced yellow squash for variety. Just make sure to slice veggies thinly to ensure they cook evenly in the bake.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! You can assemble the bake ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate for a day before baking. It reheats beautifully, making weeknight dinners easier without sacrificing flavor.
What can I substitute for green chutney if I can’t find it?

If you don’t have green chutney on hand, try blending fresh cilantro, mint, garlic, lemon juice, and a little olive oil to mimic that vibrant flavor. It won’t be exact, but it’s a close and fresh substitute that works well.
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked for this recipe?

I recommend using pre-cooked chicken to keep the bake from drying out and to simplify the cooking process. If you want to use raw chicken, make sure to cook it thoroughly before baking and adjust cooking times accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it feels like a wholesome, comforting meal that doesn’t skimp on fresh, lively flavors. What I love most is how the layers of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melty cheese come together effortlessly to create something truly special. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to weeknight dinner! And if you have any questions or variations, I’d love to hear how you make it your own.