This Easy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a tasty one-pan dish featuring juicy chicken, fresh zucchini, and bright flavors. Perfect for a quick dinner that tastes like a hug!
The blend of spices and veggies makes every bite exciting! I love how this recipe uses only one pan for easy clean-up. Less mess means more time to enjoy the yummy food with friends! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for this dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using turkey cutlets or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version!
Zucchini: Fresh zucchinis add great texture and nutrition. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash works just as well. You can even use eggplant for a heartier option.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet cherry tomatoes brighten up the flavor. You can swap these for diced regular tomatoes or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different taste.
Kalamata Olives: These add a nice salty punch. If you don’t have Kalamata olives, consider black or green olives, or omit them if you’re not a fan.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a creamy, tangy note. If you prefer a different cheese, goat cheese or even fresh mozzarella will work. Just remember to crumble or slice finely!
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Stays Juicy?
Keeping chicken juicy can be tricky, but there are a couple of things you can do. By baking it over veggies, you not only infuse flavor but also create moisture. Here’s how:
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken! Keep an eye on the timer and check the internal temperature at 25 minutes.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping it tender.
- If using thinner chicken breasts, adjust the baking time. They may only need 20 minutes.
With these tips and tasty ingredients, your Easy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake will turn out delightful every time! Happy cooking!
Easy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bake:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
- Juice of 1 lemon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and roughly 35-40 minutes to cook, including baking time. You’ll have a delicious dinner ready in about 50 minutes—perfect for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This way, it will be nice and hot when your dish is ready to go in!
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
In a large baking dish or ovenproof skillet, arrange the sliced zucchinis, halved cherry tomatoes, olives, and thinly sliced red onion. This colorful base will be both tasty and eye-catching!
3. Add Flavor:
Drizzle half of the olive oil over the veggies and sprinkle the minced garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a gentle toss to combine all those wonderful flavors.
4. Add Chicken:
Now, place the chicken breasts on top of the veggie mix. Drizzle the remaining olive oil and lemon juice over the chicken. Season them with a touch more salt and pepper, along with a sprinkle of the dried herbs.
5. Bake:
Put your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You want the chicken to be cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the vegetables to be tender.
6. Finish with Feta:
Once done, take it out of the oven and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese all over the top. This cheesy goodness adds a lovely richness!
7. Melt the Feta:
Return the dish to the oven for another 5 minutes. This will allow the feta to soften and become extra delicious.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, garnish your dish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve warm alongside crusty bread or over cooked quinoa or rice for a wholesome, complete meal.
Enjoy this healthy, flavorful Mediterranean bake that’s simple to make and packed with fresh veggies and fragrant herbs!
FAQ for Easy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken will add extra flavor, but it will require a longer cooking time. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
What Can I Substitute for Zucchini?
If you’re not a fan of zucchini, you can easily substitute it with yellow squash, eggplant, or even bell peppers. Each will give a unique flavor and texture to the dish!
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can prep the dish up to a day in advance. Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will start out cold.
