Description
Mediterranean chicken zucchini bake brings fresh Mediterranean flavors straight to your dinner table with minimal prep and maximum satisfaction. Tender chicken, crisp zucchini, and rich herbs create a simple one-pan meal that delivers delicious nutrition without complicated cooking techniques.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables:
- 2 zucchinis
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- ½ red onion
- 3 cloves garlic
Seasonings and Extras:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup black or Kalamata olives
- ½ cup feta cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and coat it with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Heat your oven to precisely 400F.
- Combine 2 chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces) with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and your minced garlic. Let the flavors meld for 5 minutes.
- Slice 2 zucchinis into ¼-inch rounds and halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes. Toss them with ½ red onion, ½ cup olives, remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread your vegetable mixture across the entire baking dish in an even layer. Nestle marinated chicken pieces on top, ensuring they’re not overcrowded.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Roast for exactly 25 minutes at 400F, checking that chicken reaches 165F internal temperature.
- Carefully remove the dish. Sprinkle ½ cup crumbled feta evenly across the surface.
- Switch oven to broil. Return dish for 2-3 minutes until cheese turns golden and slightly crispy.
- Chop fresh parsley and scatter across the top. Serve with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for at least 15 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness, allowing herbs and spices to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Cut zucchini and vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- For a low-carb version, replace cherry tomatoes with bell peppers or additional zucchini, maintaining the Mediterranean flavor profile.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating gently to prevent chicken from becoming dry and tough.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-33 minutes
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 212 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg