Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake – Healthy & Easy Recipe
Introduction
This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a healthy and easy dish perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner. Packed with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and flavorful herbs, it comes together quickly and offers a bright, satisfying meal.
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 of olive oil, oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Let the chicken marinate while you prepare the vegetables.
- Step 3: In another bowl, mix the zucchini rounds, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and olives with the remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Step 4: Spread the vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on top of the vegetables.
- Step 5: Bake 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 the crumbled feta cheese evenly on top, and switch your oven to broil. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the feta is slightly golden.
- Step 7: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the bake.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
- Swap zucchini for eggplant or bell peppers for a different vegetable twist.
- Use goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier texture.
- Add a handful of fresh spinach or arugula just before serving for added greens.
- If you prefer less spice, omit the red pepper flakes.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through to keep the chicken tender and the vegetables intact. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the vegetables soggy.
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, thawed chicken pieces to ensure even cooking and the best texture. If using frozen, thaw completely before marinating and baking.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this bake keeps well and can be portioned into meal prep containers. Just pack the lemon wedges separately to add fresh flavor when serving.
Print
Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake – Healthy & Easy Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A wholesome and flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake combining tender chicken, fresh vegetables, olives, and tangy feta, all baked to perfection. This easy one-dish meal is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner packed with vibrant flavors and minimal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables & Toppings
- 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
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Seasonings & Oils
- 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)
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 chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Let the chicken marinate briefly while you prepare the vegetables. In another bowl, combine the sliced zucchinis, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and sliced olives, then toss with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper evenly.
- Assemble the Bake: Spread the vegetable mixture evenly in the greased baking dish. Layer the marinated chicken pieces on top of the vegetables to ensure even cooking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the vegetables are tender and nicely roasted.
- Add Feta & Broil: Remove from the oven, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the dish, then switch the oven to broil. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the feta is slightly golden and bubbly, adding a delicious finishing touch.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle the bake with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over just before eating, enhancing all the Mediterranean flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option if preferred.
- If you don’t have Kalamata olives, any black olives can be used.
- Red pepper flakes are optional; add them for a subtle heat.
- For meal prep, bake as instructed and store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure all spices and additives are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, zucchini bake, healthy chicken recipe, baked chicken, vegetable bake, feta cheese, one dish meal
