Name: Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 large zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional); 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (for drizzling before serving)

Introduction

If you’re looking for a meal that is both healthy and full of vibrant flavors, then the Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is exactly what you need. This dish combines lean chicken, tender zucchini, and Mediterranean ingredients like feta, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes for a nourishing, well-balanced meal. It’s perfect for a fresh, wholesome dinner that’s simple to prepare.

The image shows a baked dish in a white rectangular ceramic baking dish placed on a white marbled surface. The dish has several layers, starting with a base layer of cooked chicken pieces, topped with thin slices of green zucchini spread evenly over the chicken. Over the zucchini, there is a melted cheese layer that is golden brown in spots, showing a crispy texture. Some bits of diced tomatoes and herbs are scattered across the cheese, adding small pops of red and green color. The dish looks hot and freshly baked, with the cheese bubbly and slightly oily on the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 large zucchinis, sliced into 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: 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Optional: 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash and slice the zucchinis into 1/4-inch rounds and pat dry. Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, rubbing the spices evenly.

Step 2: Slice cherry tomatoes in half, slice olives, and chop sun-dried tomatoes. Set aside.

Step 3: In a lightly greased baking dish, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the center with space between them. Arrange zucchini slices around the chicken evenly.

Step 4: Sprinkle the cherry tomatoes, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes around the chicken and zucchini.

Step 5: Bake for 30–35 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally and zucchini is tender.

Step 6: Remove the dish, sprinkle crumbled feta (and mozzarella if using) evenly over the top, then return to the oven for 5–7 minutes until cheese melts and browns slightly.

Step 7: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar if desired, then serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Prepare the dish up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate before baking to save time.

Add vegetables such as bell peppers or eggplant for more variety.

Substitute feta with goat cheese or skip cheese for a dairy-free option.

Use bone-in chicken thighs, adjusting cooking time for thorough doneness.

For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeño before baking.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well but require a longer baking time to ensure they are fully cooked. Adjust cooking accordingly.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely, you can substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and add extra vegetables to make it hearty and satisfying.

Dinner

Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe