The Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a delicious and healthy dish that brings vibrant Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. Featuring tender chicken breasts, roasted zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, this dish is seasoned with a savory blend of spices and topped with crumbled feta cheese for an extra burst of flavor. It’s simple to make, healthy, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of garlic, cumin, and oregano that infuses both the chicken and vegetables. The roasted zucchini and cherry tomatoes create a hearty yet light base for the tender chicken, and the feta cheese adds a creamy, salty finish. The best part? It’s all baked in one dish, making cleanup a breeze. This dish is not only easy to make, but it’s also a balanced, low-carb meal that’s great for your health and taste buds.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 zucchinis, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, garlic powder, and cumin on both sides.
- Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and surround them with zucchini slices and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and vegetables.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are tender.
- Remove from the oven and top with crumbled feta cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired meal!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Variations
- Add more vegetables: Add bell peppers, onions, or olives to the baking dish for extra flavor and color.
- Use chicken thighs: Swap the chicken breasts for bone-in or boneless chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
- Vegan option: Replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use a plant-based feta cheese to make it vegan.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder for a little heat in the dish.
- Herb variations: Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can also be used in place of oregano for a different Mediterranean flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover chicken and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 1 month. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply pop the leftovers in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe and will provide a more flavorful and moist result. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, you can substitute with goat cheese, Parmesan, or mozzarella for a different flavor.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and vegetables ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and bake them when you’re ready to cook. This makes it perfect for meal prep.
4. How can I make the chicken more flavorful?
Marinate the chicken breasts for an hour or overnight with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for even more flavor before baking.
5. Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, you can use other Mediterranean vegetables like eggplant, artichokes, or roasted bell peppers for a more hearty dish.
6. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Place the chicken, zucchini, tomatoes, and spices in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the feta cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
7. Can I serve this dish with a side?
This dish pairs perfectly with rice, quinoa, or couscous for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a simple salad for a lighter option.
8. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for those following a gluten-free diet.
9. How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer.
10. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, you’ll need to increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes, and it’s best to thaw them overnight for more even cooking.
Conclusion
The Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week. The savory chicken, roasted zucchini, and fresh cherry tomatoes come together in a Mediterranean-inspired blend of spices, making each bite full of vibrant flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or making it ahead for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your rotation!
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Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
The Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a vibrant and healthy dish bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Featuring tender chicken breasts, roasted zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese, this one-pan meal is easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. It’s a delicious, low-carb option that satisfies both your taste buds and your health goals.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 zucchinis, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, garlic powder, and cumin on both sides.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and surround them with zucchini slices and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and vegetables.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are tender.
- Remove from the oven and top with crumbled feta cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired meal!
Notes
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for 1 hour or overnight before baking.
- You can swap chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result.
- If you prefer a vegan option, replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use plant-based feta cheese.
- Add more vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or olives for a colorful and flavorful dish.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder for a spicy twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Healthy Meal
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
