Jalapeños Popper Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
This creamy, cheesy zucchini bake blends the spicy kick of jalapeño poppers with Mediterranean flavors like garlic, olive oil, and herbs. It’s loaded with tender chicken, zucchini, and a rich cream cheese mixture. Perfect for a low-carb dinner or meal prep.
Total Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
2 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
500g (1.1 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded or cubed
2–3 fresh jalapeños, sliced (seeds removed for less heat)
1 red bell pepper, diced (optional, for color and sweetness)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp ground cumin
Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Creamy Cheese Mixture:
120g (4 oz) cream cheese, softened
100g (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
50g (1/2 cup) crumbled feta or goat cheese
2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil
Topping:
30g (1/4 cup) shredded Parmesan cheese
* Optional: crushed almonds or crushed pork rinds for crunch
Instructions
1.Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 9×13” baking dish.
2. Prepare Veggies:
In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté zucchini, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeños in olive oil for 5–7 minutes until slightly softened. Season with oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3.Mix Chicken Base:
In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, sautéed veggies, and chopped parsley or basil.
4. Make Cheese Sauce:
In another bowl, mix cream cheese, mozzarella, feta/goat cheese, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth.
5. Combine & Layer:
Add the cheese mixture to the chicken-veggie mix and stir well. Spread everything evenly into the baking dish.
6.Top & Bake:
Sprinkle with Parmesan and optional crunchy topping. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
7. Garnish & Serve:
Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with extra herbs and sliced jalapeño (if you like it hot).
Nutritional information
Calories: ~320 kcal
Protein:~28g
Fat: ~20g
Carbohydrates: ~7g
Fiber: ~2g
Net Carbs ~5g