Description of this recipe
This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a vibrant and wholesome dish that brings together the best of Mediterranean flavors. Tender chicken breasts are baked to perfection alongside fresh zucchini, juicy cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onions, all infused with aromatic herbs and a generous drizzle of olive oil. The result is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will transport you to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean.
Why you will love this recipe
This recipe is a winner for several reasons:
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein from the chicken and an abundance of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, this bake is a guilt-free way to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Easy to Make: With minimal prep time and simple instructions, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Just chop, season, and bake – it’s that easy!
- Flavorful and Aromatic: The combination of oregano, basil, thyme, and garlic powder creates a fragrant and flavorful profile that complements the natural sweetness of the vegetables and the savory taste of the chicken.
- Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to adapt this recipe to your liking. Add other vegetables like bell peppers or eggplant, or swap the mozzarella for feta cheese for a tangier twist.
- One-Pan Wonder: This recipe is a complete meal in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ pounds)
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the chicken and vegetables cook evenly and thoroughly. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. A greased dish prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier. You can use cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil to grease the dish.
Step 2: Season Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes browning during baking. Season both sides of the chicken generously with salt, pepper, half of the dried oregano, basil, thyme, and garlic powder. The herbs and spices infuse the chicken with a delicious Mediterranean flavor. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the center of the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Arrange the sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion around the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Try to distribute the vegetables evenly to ensure they cook uniformly. Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil and sprinkle with the remaining dried oregano, basil, thyme, and garlic powder. Toss the vegetables gently to coat them evenly with the oil and herbs. This step is crucial for enhancing the flavor and preventing the vegetables from drying out during baking.
Step 4: Bake
Bake the chicken and vegetables uncovered in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, being careful not to touch the bone. If the chicken starts to brown too quickly, cover the baking dish loosely with foil to prevent over-browning. The baking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts and the accuracy of your oven.
Step 5: Cheese Finish (Optional)
If desired, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken and vegetables during the last 5 minutes of baking. Return the baking dish to the oven and continue baking until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The mozzarella cheese adds a creamy, cheesy element to the dish. You can also use other types of cheese, such as feta, Parmesan, or provolone, depending on your preference.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. Slice the chicken breasts and serve the Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake hot, with the roasted vegetables.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of quinoa, couscous, or rice for a complete meal.
- Pair with a Greek salad or a simple green salad for a light and refreshing accompaniment.
- Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious juices from the bake.
- Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki sauce for extra flavor and creaminess.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried herbs, but reduce the amount by half.
- To prevent the zucchini from becoming too soft, add it to the baking dish during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- If you prefer a crispier topping, broil the bake for a minute or two after adding the cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
25-30 minutes
Total Time:
40-45 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving, without cheese)
Calories:
350-400
Protein:
35-40g
Sodium:
200-300mg (depending on added salt)
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a delicious and healthy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant flavors, simple preparation, and customizable ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean!
Questions and Answers about this recipe
Q1: Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile, and you can easily substitute or add other vegetables based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), eggplant, mushrooms, and artichoke hearts would all be great additions. Just keep in mind that some vegetables may require slightly different cooking times, so adjust accordingly. For example, heartier vegetables like potatoes or carrots may need to be par-cooked before adding them to the bake.
Q2: Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces like thighs or drumsticks in this recipe. However, keep in mind that bone-in chicken will generally take longer to cook than boneless chicken breasts. You may need to increase the baking time by 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork. Also, make sure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Q3: What if I don’t have all the dried herbs listed in the recipe?
A: Don’t worry if you’re missing one or two of the dried herbs. You can still make a delicious Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake with the herbs you have available. Oregano and basil are the most essential herbs for this recipe, but you can also substitute other Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, marjoram, or savory. If you only have one or two herbs, simply increase the amount you use to compensate for the missing flavors. You can also use an Italian herb blend, which typically contains a combination of oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram.
Q4: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare this recipe ahead of time, which makes it a great option for busy weeknights or meal prepping. You can assemble the bake (without the cheese) and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, simply preheat the oven and bake as directed. If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle it on during the last 5 minutes of baking. Keep in mind that the vegetables may release some moisture as they sit, so you may need to drain off any excess liquid before baking.
Q5: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: While you can technically freeze this recipe, it’s not ideal, as the texture of the vegetables may change after thawing. Zucchini, in particular, tends to become quite soft and watery when frozen and thawed. If you do choose to freeze the bake, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the bake in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven until warmed through. The texture of the vegetables may be slightly different, but the flavor should still be good.
