This Easy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a tasty and healthy meal. With tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and flavorful spices, it’s a dish everyone will love!
I enjoy making this bake because prep is quick and it all cooks in one dish—less cleanup means more time for me to relax. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts work great for this bake. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier result. Leftover rotisserie chicken also makes this dish quicker!
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds a nice texture. If zucchini isn’t available, you can use summer squash or even eggplant as a substitute.
Bell Peppers: The combination of red and yellow bell peppers gives a colorful presentation. Feel free to swap in green peppers or other veggies like mushrooms or spinach if you like.
Feta Cheese: Feta is a classic Mediterranean flavor. If you want a lower-fat option, try using goat cheese. You can also omit cheese for a dairy-free version.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Turns Out Juicy and Flavorful?
To keep your chicken tender and full of flavor, it’s essential to coat it in the seasoning mix well. Here are some tips:
- Use a good quality olive oil to enhance moisture and flavor.
- Don’t skip the marinating step if time allows—letting the chicken sit in the seasoning for 15-30 minutes can really amp up the taste.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety and optimal juiciness.
Easy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bake:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Seasoning:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of half a lemon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This wonderful bake will take about 10 minutes to prep and approximately 30-35 minutes to cook, resulting in a total time of around 45 minutes. Perfect for a healthy dinner during the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot by the time you’re ready to bake your dish.
2. Prepare the Seasoning:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This combination will give your chicken and veggies a delicious flavor!
3. Coat the Chicken:
Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and use your hands or tongs to coat them thoroughly with the seasoning mixture. Make sure each breast is evenly covered.
4. Arrange the Vegetables:
Grease a baking dish with a little olive oil. Now, layer in the sliced zucchini, chopped bell peppers, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion at the bottom of the dish. Spread them out evenly.
5. Add the Chicken:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts right on top of the arranged vegetables. It’s all going in the oven together for maximum flavor!
6. Drizzle and Bake:
Pour any remaining seasoning mixture over the chicken and vegetables for extra flavor. Now, pop the dish in the preheated oven and bake it uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. You want the chicken to be cooked through and the veggies tender.
7. Add the Feta:
Once the baking time is up, take the dish out of the oven. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the chicken and veggies.
8. Melt the Feta:
Return the baking dish to the oven for another 5 minutes, allowing the feta to melt just a bit and get all creamy.
9. Finish and Serve:
When everything is ready, squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the bake and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Mediterranean meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s important to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to do this is to place the chicken in the refrigerator overnight or use the cold water method by sealing it in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water until fully thawed.
Can I Make This Bake Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep the ingredients and assemble the dish a day in advance. Just cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. It may need an extra few minutes in the oven if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals to avoid overheating.
What Can I Serve with This Dish?
This bake is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a side of quinoa, couscous, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It also pairs well with crusty bread if you’re looking for something to soak up those tasty juices!
