Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe
Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a delicious and healthy one-dish meal featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts baked alongside fresh zucchini, cherry tomatoes, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes, topped with tangy feta cheese and fresh parsley. This flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner and can be enhanced with optional mozzarella cheese and balsamic vinegar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken and Zucchini Bake:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 large zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Optional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash and slice the zucchinis into thin rounds (about 1/4 inch thick) and place on paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season the chicken breasts by drizzling with olive oil, then rubbing evenly with dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Slice cherry tomatoes in half, slice olives, and chop sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces, setting each aside in separate bowls.
- Assemble the Dish: Lightly grease a large baking dish. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the center of the dish, leaving space between them. Arrange the sliced zucchini rounds around the chicken in an even layer. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes around the chicken and zucchini to infuse the dish with Mediterranean flavors.
- Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the zucchini is tender. The chicken should be golden and fully cooked. Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top. If desired, add shredded mozzarella cheese. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. Optionally, drizzle with balsamic vinegar for a sweet and tangy finish. Slice the chicken breasts and serve warm alongside the roasted zucchini and vegetables. This dish pairs well with quinoa, couscous, or a light salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure zucchini slices are dry before baking to prevent excess moisture in the dish.
- Checking the chicken temperature with a meat thermometer ensures it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- For a richer flavor, sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil can be used.
- Mozzarella cheese is optional; feta alone provides authentic Mediterranean taste.
- Balsamic vinegar drizzle is optional but adds a nice tangy contrast.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and reheated; leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with vegetables (about 250g)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, zucchini bake, baked chicken breast, healthy chicken recipe, Mediterranean diet, feta cheese chicken, easy dinner, baked vegetables
