This Easy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a tasty dish full of fresh flavors! With tender chicken, colorful veggies, and yummy spices, it makes for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Honestly, it’s like a party in a dish! I love how all the flavors blend together, and the zucchini adds a nice touch. Plus, clean-up is a breeze—just one pan to wash! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchinis bring moisture and a mild flavor. If you can’t find zucchinis, yellow squash or eggplant work well as substitutes, adding their unique twist!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy and quick to cook. You can swap them for thighs for more flavor or use tofu for a vegetarian option. Both options will still work nicely with the other ingredients.
Kalamata Olives: These add a briny kick. If you’re not a fan, green olives or even capers can substitute, giving the dish a different but tasty flavor profile.
Feta Cheese: Feta offers a tangy creaminess. For a non-dairy option, use crumbled tofu mixed with a bit of lemon juice and nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor!
How Do I Ensure the Chicken is Juicy and Cooked Right?
Cook chicken properly for the best results! Here’s my go-to method:
- Cut the chicken into even pieces so they cook uniformly. This prevents some parts from drying out while others stay undercooked.
- Marinate the chicken in spices and olive oil for added flavor and moisture—trust me, it makes a big difference!
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let it rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices settle, keeping the chicken moist.
Easy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bake:
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
For Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to cook, making it a quick and delicious weeknight dinner option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Time!
First, go ahead and preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This way, it will be nice and hot when your dish is ready to go in!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until the chicken is evenly coated with those tasty flavors.
3. Layer the Zucchini:
Next, grab a large baking dish and arrange the sliced zucchinis in a single layer on the bottom. This will be the base of your lovely bake, so make it pretty!
4. Add the Chicken:
Now, scatter the marinated chicken pieces over the layer of zucchini. It’s like giving the zucchinis a delicious chicken companion!
5. Add More Goodness:
Next up, sprinkle the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, and red onion evenly over the top of the chicken and zucchini. This adds color and flavor!
6. Drizzle Olive Oil:
Grab your remaining tablespoon of olive oil and drizzle it over the entire dish. This helps everything get nice and golden while baking.
7. Bake It!
Pop your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for the chicken to be cooked through and the zucchini to be nice and tender.
8. Feta Time!
When the baking time is up, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top. Yum!
9. Final Bake:
Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, just until the feta is warmed and slightly melted. This makes everything even tastier!
10. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s ready, remove the bake from the oven and garnish it with freshly chopped parsley. Serve it hot and enjoy your lovely Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake!
FAQ for Easy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in other vegetables like bell peppers, asparagus, or even spinach. Just make sure they’re cut into similar sizes for even cooking!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before popping it in the oven.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave gently or warm them up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Substitute Chicken for Another Protein?
Of course! Boneless chicken thighs, turkey breast, or even plant-based proteins like chickpeas or tofu work well. Just adjust the cooking time if needed to ensure everything is cooked through!
