Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe

The Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a wholesome, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and vibrant Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. It’s a perfect one-pan meal, ideal for weeknight dinners or a casual family gathering. Packed with lean protein, nutritious vegetables, and aromatic spices, this dish is as healthy as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Nutritious: Loaded with fresh veggies and lean chicken, this dish is high in protein and vitamins.
2. Flavorful: Mediterranean spices, herbs, and ingredients like olives and feta cheese make this a crowd-pleaser.
3. One-Pan Convenience: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in one baking dish.
4. Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to your taste or dietary needs.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the Vegetables: Cut zucchini into half-moons, cherry tomatoes into halves, and bell peppers into strips. Thinly slice the red onion.
3. Trim the Chicken: Remove any excess fat or sinew from the chicken breasts. Pat them dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour half the marinade over the chicken and let it sit for at least 15-20 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator). Reserve the remaining marinade for the vegetables.

Step 3: Assemble the Bake

1. Layer the Vegetables: In a large baking dish, spread the zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and bell peppers evenly. Drizzle the reserved marinade over the vegetables and toss to coat.
2. Add the Chicken: Nestle the marinated chicken breasts on top of the vegetable layer.
3. Scatter the Olives: Distribute the olives around the dish for bursts of briny flavor.

Step 4: Bake the Dish

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the Foil: After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are tender.
3. Broil for Extra Flavor: For a golden finish, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes after baking.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Add the Toppings: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley over the baked chicken and vegetables.
2. Serve Hot: Serve with lemon wedges for a fresh, zesty touch.

Tips for Success

1. Even Slicing: Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
2. Room-Temperature Chicken: Let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking to promote even cooking.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure the vegetables and chicken are arranged in a single layer for proper roasting.
4. Rest the Dish: Allow the bake to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute.

Variations

1. Swap the Protein: Use chicken thighs, turkey cutlets, or even white fish like cod or tilapia.
2. Add More Veggies: Include eggplant, mushrooms, or asparagus for additional nutrients.
3. Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or harissa paste to the marinade for a spicy kick.
4. Dairy-Free: Omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

Serving Suggestions

1. Grain Pairings: Serve over rice, quinoa, or couscous to soak up the juices.
2. Bread Option: Pair with warm pita bread or crusty sourdough for dipping.
3. Salad Side: A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the dish beautifully.

Why This Recipe Works

The Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake combines simple, fresh ingredients with bold, zesty flavors. The marinated chicken absorbs the tangy, herbaceous blend of olive oil, lemon, and spices, while the zucchini, tomatoes, and peppers roast to tender perfection. The addition of feta and olives ties it all together with a salty, savory finish.

Yield: 6

Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe

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The Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a wholesome, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and vibrant Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. It's a perfect one-pan meal, ideal for weeknight dinners or a casual family gathering. Packed with lean protein, nutritious vegetables, and aromatic spices, this dish is as healthy as it is delicious.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Total Time 55 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds or half-moons
• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

• In a mixing bowl, toss the diced chicken with olive oil, oregano, basil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the vegetables.

3. Assemble the Bake:

• Layer the zucchini slices evenly in the prepared baking dish. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
• Add the marinated chicken on top of the zucchini.
• Scatter the sliced red onion, halved tomatoes, and Kalamata olives over the chicken.

4. Add the Cheese:

• Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese (if using) and shredded mozzarella or provolone over the top.

5. Bake:

• Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Notes

Vegetable Options: Add sliced bell peppers, eggplant, or mushrooms for more variety.

Cheese Alternatives: Swap feta for goat cheese or omit it for a dairy-free version.

Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.

Serve With: Pair with crusty bread, quinoa, or a side salad for a complete meal.