Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a wholesome and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts baked alongside fresh zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, and red onion. Infused with garlic, oregano, thyme, and a drizzle of olive oil, it is finished with vibrant fresh herbs and crumbled feta cheese for a classic Mediterranean touch. Perfect for a healthy, easy weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients into a colorful, nourishing dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 4 chicken breasts
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced (about 2 cups)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup red bell pepper, sliced
- ½ cup red onion, sliced
Seasonings and Herbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Other
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish, providing space for the vegetables around them.
- Add Vegetables: Arrange the sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red bell pepper, and sliced red onion evenly around the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
- Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this flavorful mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables to season them.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are tender.
- Add Fresh Herbs: After baking, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley and basil over the chicken and vegetables to add brightness and fresh flavor.
- Finish with Feta: Finally, top the entire dish with crumbled feta cheese just before serving to add a salty, creamy contrast.
Notes
- For best results, use an oven-safe dish large enough to hold the chicken and vegetables without overcrowding.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Fresh herbs add a bright flavor; feel free to substitute or add other Mediterranean herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- This recipe is easily doubled for larger gatherings.
