An algorithm for invariant region characterization for a nonlinear system controlled by an LQR is proposed. The quasi-infinite horizon nonlinear model predictive controller formulation is extended for zone control with optimizing targets. The novel invariant region characterization proposed promotes hypervolume gains of up to two orders of magnitude for an unstable CSTR. Extension of the NMPC formulation to the case of zone control with optimizing targets improves the formulation’s practical deployment capability. A comparison between QIH-NMPC and NMPC with a terminal equality constraint is drawn, showing considerable closed-loop performance loss when employing a terminal equality constraint. The proposed invariant region shows feasibility set gains from the proposed invariant region characterization, when compared to a recent approach. Closed-loop simulations of both controllers from the enlarged feasibility set show how sensible the closed-loop performance is to one infeasible controller iteration.