This Easy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a colorful dish filled with tasty chicken, fresh zucchini, and vibrant veggies. It’s all baked together for a meal that looks as good as it tastes!
It’s so easy to prepare, even I can manage it without making a mess! Just layer everything in a dish and let the oven do its magic. Perfect for busy nights when you want something healthy and delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is ideal for this dish. If you want a leaner option, you could use turkey breasts, or for a vegetarian version, chickpeas or lentils work well.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds a nice texture. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash is a good substitute. You could also try eggplant for a different taste.
Bell Peppers: Using both red and yellow peppers gives a sweet flavor and nice color. If you’re not a fan, you can use green peppers or even diced tomatoes for a different twist.
Kalamata Olives: These olives bring a briny flavor. If you’re not a fan of olives, you can omit them or substitute with capers for a similar zing without the olive taste.
Feta Cheese: Feta gives a salty kick. If you need a dairy-free option, you might consider using a vegan feta or skipping cheese altogether.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Is Juicy and Tender?
Cooking chicken perfectly can be tricky, but here’s how to keep it juicy. First, make sure to season the chicken well. Letting it marinate with the spices while you prep the veggies helps enhance flavor.
- Place chicken in the baking dish and avoid overcrowding; this helps even cooking.
- Keep an eye on cooking time; baking for 25-30 minutes usually works, but remember, thicker pieces might need a bit more time.
- To check if chicken is done, use a meat thermometer — it should reach 165°F (75°C) internally.
Easy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bake:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of half a lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 10 minutes to prepare and about 25-30 minutes to cook in the oven, making the total time around 40 minutes. A quick and easy meal that brings delightful Mediterranean flavors to your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when your dish is ready to go in, helping the chicken cook evenly.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Lightly grease a large baking dish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking and to add some flavor to the bake.
3. Season the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and season them with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and basil. Be sure to coat them well, then set them aside while you prepare the veggies.
4. Mix the Vegetables:
In a large bowl, toss together the zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, garlic, olives, the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the veggies are evenly coated.
5. Assemble the Dish:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts evenly spaced in your prepared baking dish. Spread the vegetable mixture all around and on top of the chicken, creating a colorful and hearty layer.
6. Bake it Up:
Put the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake it uncovered for 25-30 minutes. You want the chicken to be cooked through and the veggies to be tender. A meat thermometer should read 165°F (75°C) in the chicken.
7. Add the Finishing Touches:
Once cooked, take the dish out of the oven and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top. This adds a creamy and tangy flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake warm, paired with a side of crusty bread or rice if desired!
FAQ for Easy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thawing overnight in the refrigerator is the safest method. Cooking from frozen isn’t recommended as it may not cook evenly.
How Can I Adjust the Recipe for a Smaller Portion?
If you’re cooking for fewer people, you can halve the ingredients. Just make sure to use a smaller baking dish to ensure everything cooks evenly. Similarly, adjust the cooking time if you’re making a smaller batch — check the chicken for doneness a few minutes earlier.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the oven or microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of olive oil before reheating can help restore some moisture.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep the chicken and vegetable mixture and assemble everything in the baking dish a few hours ahead. Cover it and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just allow it to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking to ensure even baking.
