Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake: A Healthy, Flavorful One-Pan Meal

Mediterranean Chicken and Zucchini One-Pan Bake Delight 🥘🍗🥒

Mediterranean Chicken and Zucchini One-Pan Bake Delight 🥘🍗🥒

1. Introduction

Welcome to your new favorite healthy chicken zucchini recipe! This Mediterranean chicken and zucchini one-pan bake offers a perfect balance of juicy tender chicken, crisp zucchini, and aromatic herbs—all cooked together in a single dish for easy cleanup and maximum flavor. Whether you’re looking for a flavorful Mediterranean chicken dish or a quick one-pan chicken dinner, this recipe checks all boxes. It’s nutritious, family-friendly, and simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or weekend dinners.

2. Ingredients for the Mediterranean Chicken and Zucchini One-Pan Bake

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 large zucchinis, sliced
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil and parsley for garnish
  • Optional: crumbled feta cheese for topping

3. Step-by-step Instructions for Making the Flavorful Mediterranean Chicken

Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts and set aside. Arrange the sliced zucchinis and cherry tomatoes on a large baking sheet or in a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Assembling the Dish

Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the vegetables. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over everything for added moisture and flavor. If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top for a creamy contrast.

Cooking the Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The vegetables should be tender, and the chicken juicy and golden. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and parsley before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.

4. Storage Tips for Leftover Mediterranean Chicken and Zucchini Bake

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish reheats nicely in the microwave or oven, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week. For longer storage, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 2 months.

5. Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

This Mediterranean chicken bake pairs beautifully with a side of cheddar garlic herb potatoes, or a simple fresh salad. You can also serve it alongside warm rice or crusty bread to make it a heartier feast. For a complete Mediterranean experience, consider adding a handful of kalamata olives or a side of hummus.

6. Tips for Making this a Really Flavorful Mediterranean Chicken

  • Use fresh herbs whenever possible for the most vibrant flavor.
  • Marinate the chicken in the herb mixture for 20-30 minutes before baking for an extra flavor boost.
  • Adjust the seasonings to your taste—add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or lemon juice for brightness.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I substitute chicken breasts with thighs?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and stay even juicier during baking. Just adjust the cooking time to about 30-35 minutes.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Prepare the dish ahead of time, store in the refrigerator, and reheat when ready. It makes a perfect easy meal prep option.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add bell peppers, eggplants, or artichoke hearts to customize your Mediterranean chicken and zucchini bake to your liking.

How long does it take to prepare?

The prep time is roughly 10-15 minutes, with 25-30 minutes baking time, making this an incredibly quick and healthy meal to prepare.

8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe

Enhance your cooking experience with some useful kitchen gadgets. Click the links below to discover tools that will make preparing this dish even easier:

9. Conclusion

This Mediterranean chicken bake is the ultimate healthy chicken zucchini recipe that’s both quick and flavorful. Its vibrant ingredients, simple preparation, and versatility make it a perfect choice for satisfying your family’s dinner needs. Try it today and enjoy a wholesome, Mediterranean-inspired meal without the fuss. For more delicious recipes and kitchen tips, explore our food blog.

Print
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A vibrant and colorful Mediterranean chicken zucchini bake served directly on a rustic ceramic plate. The dish features tender chunks of golden-brown chicken nestled among slices of fresh green zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese. The plating is garnished with chopped fresh herbs, with a drizzle of olive oil, showcasing a beautifully arranged, appetizing, and wholesome meal with a Mediterranean flair, set against a light wooden background.

Mediterranean Chicken and Zucchini One-Pan Bake Delight

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A wholesome and flavorful Mediterranean chicken zucchini bake made with tender chicken, fresh zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese, all cooked in a single pan for convenience and taste.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 zucchinis, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  5. Add remaining olive oil, garlic, zucchini slices, and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes.
  6. Place chicken on top of the vegetables. Sprinkle feta cheese over the dish.
  7. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
  8. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  • For added flavor, marinate chicken in lemon juice and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Serve with a side of couscous or quinoa for a complete meal.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Method: Bake, sauté
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Healthy, Low-carb

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 350 Kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

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