Description
Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake: Juicy chicken, flavorful zucchini, and Mediterranean spices baked to perfection. A quick and delicious crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 medium zucchini (about 1½ pounds/680g), sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 pint (300g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup (50g) kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¾ cup (170g) crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, slice your zucchini into ¼-inch rounds and spread them on paper towels. Sprinkle lightly with salt and let them sit for 10 minutes to release excess moisture. Meanwhile, cut the chicken breasts into even pieces about 1-inch thick. Pat them dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: Season the Base In a 9×13-inch baking dish, drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil to coat the bottom. Pat the zucchini dry and arrange it in a single layer, slightly overlapping. In a small bowl, combine the garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle half of this herb mixture over the zucchini layer.
- Step 3: Add the Chicken Arrange the chicken pieces evenly on top of the zucchini layer. Drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with the rest of the herb mixture, ensuring each piece of chicken is well-seasoned. This layering technique allows the flavors to meld together as they cook.
- Step 4: Add Vegetables and Cheese Scatter the cherry tomato halves, diced bell pepper, red onion slices, and kalamata olives around and on top of the chicken. Their juices will release during cooking, creating a flavorful sauce. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything, then crumble the feta cheese on top to create a delicious golden crust as it bakes.
- Step 5: Bake to Perfection Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are tender. The uncovered baking time allows the top to get slightly golden and the flavors to concentrate.
- Step 6: Finish and Serve Once baked, remove your Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken. Just before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped basil for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve directly from the baking dish for a rustic presentation, or plate individually for a more elegant approach.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 2 cups)
- Calories: 375 calories per serving
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg