Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake – Healthy & Easy Recipe
Introduction
This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a healthy, flavorful dish that’s simple to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Packed with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and tangy feta, it brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your table in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup black or Kalamata olives, sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish or sheet pan with olive oil.
- Step 2: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon olive oil, dried oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Let it marinate briefly while preparing the vegetables.
- Step 3: In another bowl, combine zucchini slices, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and olives. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Toss everything together to coat evenly.
- Step 4: Spread the vegetable mixture evenly in the baking dish. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on top.
- Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the vegetables are tender.
- Step 6: Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle feta cheese evenly over the top, and place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the feta is slightly golden.
- Step 7: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the dish.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to an hour before baking.
- Swap zucchini for eggplant or bell peppers if preferred.
- Add a handful of pine nuts for some crunch and nuttiness.
- Use goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier texture.
- Serve over cooked couscous, quinoa, or rice for a heartier meal.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For best texture, avoid overcooking during reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh chicken for even cooking and the best texture, but if using frozen chicken, make sure it is fully thawed before marinating and baking.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this bake stores well and can be portioned out for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Print
Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake – Healthy & Easy Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that features tender chicken breasts baked with fresh zucchini, cherry tomatoes, olives, and aromatic herbs. Topped with tangy feta cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, it offers a perfect balance of Mediterranean flavors in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Vegetables & Toppings
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup black or Kalamata olives, sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish or sheet pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Chicken & Vegetables: In a bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Allow the chicken to marinate briefly to absorb the flavors. In a separate bowl, combine the sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and sliced olives. Toss these vegetables with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper to season.
- Assemble the Bake: Evenly spread the prepared vegetables across the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces over the top, ensuring an even layer for consistent cooking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the vegetables are tender.
- Add Feta & Broil: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the cooked chicken and vegetables. Turn on the broiler and broil the dish for 2-3 minutes, or until the feta is slightly golden and bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish the bake with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of brightness.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for juicier meat if preferred.
- If you like a little heat, don’t skip the optional red pepper flakes.
- Use fresh herbs like oregano and basil if available for more vibrant flavor.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or over cooked quinoa for a complete meal.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken bake, zucchini chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner, baked chicken with vegetables, easy chicken bake
