This Chicken and Vegetable Bake with Mozzarella is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, sautéed vegetables, and creamy Greek yogurt, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s the perfect one-pan meal that’s simple to prepare and full of flavor, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or family meals.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
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Preparation Time: 15 minutes
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Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
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Total Time: 55 minutes
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Yield: Serves 4
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Cuisine: Comfort Food
Full List of Ingredients
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1 chicken breast
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Salt (to taste)
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Sweet paprika
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Chicken seasoning
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Black pepper (to taste)
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6-7 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
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1 bell pepper, sliced
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Olive oil, for cooking
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 carrot, sliced
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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100g (3.5 oz) Greek yogurt
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1 zucchini, sliced
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1 tomato, sliced
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50g (1.8 oz) mozzarella cheese, grated
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1 onion, finely chopped
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A splash of cream
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breast with salt, sweet paprika, chicken seasoning, and black pepper. Massage the seasoning into the chicken to ensure even coverage. Let the chicken marinate for a few minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Cook the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes and cut them into medium-sized chunks. Place the potato chunks in a pot of salted water and bring it to a boil. Cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes and set them aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet or pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Next, add the sliced carrot and bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. Add the Zucchini and Tomato
Slice the zucchini and tomato into thin rounds. Add them to the pan with the other vegetables. Season with a little salt and black pepper. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring gently, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
5. Cook the Chicken
In a separate pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken breast and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips.
6. Combine Everything
Add the cooked potatoes to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Gently toss everything together to combine. If you’d like to add some creaminess, pour a splash of cream into the pan and stir to incorporate. Add 100g of Greek yogurt to the pan and mix everything together well. Finally, fold in the sliced chicken breast, combining all the ingredients.
7. Add Cheese and Bake
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the top of the mixture, ensuring it covers everything evenly. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
8. Garnish and Serve
Once the cheese is melted and golden, remove the dish from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Serve hot as a main dish or with a side salad or crusty bread.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 420
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Fat: 18g
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Saturated Fat: 6g
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Cholesterol: 90mg
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Sodium: 600mg
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Carbohydrates: 38g
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Fiber: 5g
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Sugars: 7g
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Protein: 30g
Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This Chicken and Vegetable Bake recipe is inspired by Mediterranean and comfort food traditions, where vegetables, cheese, and a lean protein like chicken are baked together to create a hearty, satisfying meal. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized based on available ingredients, and it’s perfect for anyone looking for a quick yet flavorful meal.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Comforting and Hearty: The combination of chicken, vegetables, and melted cheese creates a warm, comforting dish that will fill you up.
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Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to make with minimal preparation and cooking time, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Customizable: You can easily swap out vegetables or adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences.
Health Benefits
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Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which supports muscle growth, immune function, and overall health.
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Potatoes are rich in potassium, fiber, and vitamins C and B6, which help support cardiovascular and digestive health.
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Greek Yogurt is packed with probiotics, protein, and calcium, which are good for gut health and bone strength.
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Zucchini is low in calories and high in antioxidants, supporting healthy skin and digestion.
Serving Suggestions
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With a Side Salad: Serve the dish with a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the cheese and cream.
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With Rice or Quinoa: Serve with rice or quinoa for a more filling meal, or use it as a base to soak up the creamy sauce.
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With Crusty Bread: This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.
Cooking Tips
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Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Be careful not to overcook the chicken to ensure it stays tender and juicy. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F or 75°C).
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Use Fresh Vegetables: For the best flavor, use fresh vegetables rather than frozen ones. Fresh produce will bring more flavor and texture to the dish.
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Add More Cheese: If you love cheese, feel free to add more mozzarella or sprinkle some Parmesan over the top before baking for extra flavor.
Variations to Try
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Make It Spicy: Add some chili flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
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Swap the Cheese: Use other cheeses like cheddar, Gouda, or mozzarella di bufala for different flavors.
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Add More Veggies: You can add other vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli to make the dish even more colorful and nutritious.
Conclusion
This Chicken and Vegetable Bake with Mozzarella is an easy-to-make, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. The combination of tender chicken, sautéed vegetables, Greek yogurt, and gooey mozzarella cheese makes for a satisfying and nutritious meal. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll have a delicious dish that everyone will love.
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it just before serving. It also reheats well.
2. Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! You can use mozzarella, Gouda, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor.
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free cheese and omit the Greek yogurt, substituting it with a dairy-free alternative.
4. Can I bake this dish in the oven without pre-cooking the chicken?
It’s best to cook the chicken first to ensure it’s fully cooked and stays juicy.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
6. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the dish before baking. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the oven after thawing.
7. Can I substitute the potatoes?
Yes, you can use sweet potatoes or cauliflower for a different texture and flavor.
8. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add extra chili flakes, a jalapeño, or some hot sauce to the dish to increase the spice level.
9. Can I use skin-on chicken?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken for more flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
10. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can check using a meat thermometer.