This Easy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a tasty dish loaded with juicy chicken, fresh zucchini, and vibrant Mediterranean flavors. It’s baked all together, so cleanup is a breeze!
Let’s face it, zucchini is the unsung hero of the garden! I always end up eating an extra helping—it’s just too good! 👍 Just toss in your favorite herbs for some extra yum.
I love how simple this bake is to make. Just mix, layer, and let the oven do its magic! Perfect for a healthy family dinner, and it’s colorful on the plate too.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are great for this dish. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey breast works well too! For a vegetarian version, try using chickpeas or a mixture of beans.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchinis provide great texture. If you’re out of zucchini, you can substitute with yellow squash or eggplant. Both will give you a similar taste.
Olives: Kalamata olives bring a nice briny flavor. However, green olives or even sun-dried tomatoes can be used if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the taste will change a bit!
Feta Cheese: Feta is a must for that Mediterranean taste! If you’re dairy-free, look for vegan feta alternatives that use nuts or tofu.
How Can I Ensure the Chicken is Tender and Juicy?
The key to juicy chicken is not overcooking it! Follow these simple pointers:
- Cut the chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer. Chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F (75°C).
- Let the cooked dish sit for a few minutes after baking before serving. This helps keep the juices in!
Enjoy making this delicious and colorful Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake! It’s a great way to get your veggies in and is sure to become a family favorite!
Easy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Zucchini: 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
- Bell Pepper: 1 red bell pepper, diced
- Onion: 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
- Olives: 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- Feta Cheese: 1/2 cup crumbled
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
- Herbs: 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp paprika
- Seasoning: Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Garnish: Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Optional: Juice of half a lemon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious bake will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and roughly 35-40 minutes to cook, making the total time around 55 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat The Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your dish cooks evenly and nicely!
2. Mix The Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces, sliced zucchinis, diced red bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, minced garlic, halved cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives. Make sure everything is well mixed!
3. Season The Mixture:
Drizzle the olive oil over your mix. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated in the seasonings.
4. Transfer To Baking Dish:
Now, take your mixed ingredients and transfer them to a large baking dish. Spread everything out evenly to ensure even cooking.
5. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the oven, uncovered, and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and the zucchini is tender.
6. Add Feta:
Once baked, take the dish out of the oven and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top. The feta adds a delicious creaminess!
7. Final Bake:
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the feta is warmed through.
8. Serve & Enjoy:
Optionally, drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top for an extra burst of flavor before serving. Enjoy your flavorful and healthy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
No, it’s best to use fresh chicken for this dish. If frozen, make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before cooking to ensure even cooking and avoid safety issues.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to mix in other Mediterranean veggies like eggplant, spinach, or bell peppers in different colors. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if you add vegetables that cook faster or slower.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. You might want to add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
