🍗🥒 Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
A vibrant, herb-infused, one-pan dinner bursting with fresh vegetables, juicy chicken, and tangy feta – a perfect Mediterranean-inspired meal!
📜 Description:
This Chicken Zucchini Bake is a nourishing and colorful Mediterranean-style dish featuring tender chicken breasts baked with zucchini, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, garlic, and herbs. Finished with crumbled feta cheese and fresh basil, it’s healthy comfort food at its best — light, aromatic, and satisfying without being heavy. Ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a rustic family-style lunch.
🧺 Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups zucchini, sliced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup red bell pepper, sliced
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
🍳 Instructions:
🔹 1. Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or sheet pan.
🔹 2. Season the Chicken:
- Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and a little oregano.
🔹 3. Combine Vegetables:
- In a large bowl, toss zucchini, tomatoes, bell pepper, and red onion with olive oil, garlic, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
🔹 4. Assemble:
- Place chicken breasts in the center of the baking dish.
- Surround with seasoned vegetables.
- Drizzle any leftover oil/herb mixture over the top.
🔹 5. Bake:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F (74°C) and veggies are tender.
- In the last 5 minutes, sprinkle with feta cheese and fresh basil.
🔹 6. Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with rice, couscous, or crusty bread.
🍴 Servings:
Serves 4 (1 chicken breast + vegetables per serving)
💡 Notes & Tips:
- Add a squeeze of lemon just before serving to brighten up the dish.
- Don’t overbake — check chicken after 25 minutes to prevent dryness.
- Meal prep-friendly: Stores well in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Extra protein? Add canned chickpeas or cooked quinoa into the vegetable mix.
🧠 Health Benefits:
- Lean Protein: Chicken breast supports muscle repair and satiety.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers are packed with vitamins A, C, and phytonutrients.
- Heart-healthy fats: Olive oil contains monounsaturated fats beneficial for cardiovascular health.
- Low-carb & Gluten-Free: Naturally grain-free and light on carbs — great for keto or diabetic-friendly diets.
🧾 Nutritional Info (Per serving – approx.):
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 38g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Fat: 20g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
(May vary depending on exact ingredients and cheese used.)
❓ Q&A Section:
Q: Can I use other vegetables?
A: Yes! Eggplant, mushrooms, or spinach also work well in this dish.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely — assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: What can I serve this with?
A: Pair with couscous, quinoa, brown rice, or warm pita bread. A side of hummus or tzatziki also complements it well.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Omit the feta or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Q: Is this dish freezer-friendly?
A: You can freeze leftovers, but the texture of zucchini may soften after thawing. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.