Mediterranean-Style Chicken Casserole

🍗 Mediterranean-Style Chicken Casserole

Ingredients

For the casserole:

• 2 large chicken breasts (or 4 thighs), cut into chunks
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• ½ cup olives (black or green), pitted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt & black pepper to taste

For the sauce:

• 1 cup crushed tomatoes or marinara
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp honey (optional, balances acidity)

Topping (optional but recommended):

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven
   Set to 190°C (375°F).
2. Season the chicken
   In a bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Prep the vegetables
   Add zucchini, bell pepper, onion, tomatoes, and olives to a baking dish.
4. Make the sauce
   Mix crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, lemon juice, and honey.
5. Assemble
   Place seasoned chicken over the vegetables.
   Pour sauce evenly over everything and gently toss to combine.
6. Bake
   Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
   Remove foil, sprinkle feta, and bake another 10–15 minutes until chicken is cooked and slightly golden.
7. Finish & serve
   Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.

Serving Ideas

• Over rice, quinoa, or couscous
• With warm pita bread
• Alongside a simple cucumber yogurt salad

Tips

• Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness
• Add chickpeas for a heartier, protein-rich dish
• A pinch of chili flakes adds gentle heat

Quick Q&A

Can I make it ahead?
Yes—assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready.

Is it freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Freeze before or after baking.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Skip feta or use a plant-based alternative.