This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a tasty one-pan dish that’s packed with flavor! With tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and colorful bell peppers, it’s healthy and easy to make.
I love how this bake is not only simple but also perfect for meal prep. Just mix, bake, and enjoy the delicious smells wafting from your kitchen! Yum! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this bake as they cook quickly. If you’re looking for alternatives, try thighs for extra flavor or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds a wonderful texture. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash is a great substitute or you could use eggplant for a different taste.
Cherry Tomatoes: Their sweetness enhances the dish. If out of season, you can use canned diced tomatoes. Just drain them to avoid excess liquid.
Cheese: Mozzarella adds creaminess to the bake. For a twist, try feta for a more Mediterranean flavor or leave it out entirely for a dairy-free option.
How Do You Make Sure Your Chicken Is Juicy and Tender?
The key to juicy chicken is not to overcook it! Here’s how to ensure tenderness:
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest after baking. This helps keep the juices inside.
- Cover the dish loosely with foil for the first half of baking to retain moisture.
These small tips can make all the difference in achieving juicy, flavorful chicken every time!
Easy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Time Estimate:
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and approximately 25-30 minutes to cook. So, in about 40 minutes, you can have a wholesome Mediterranean meal ready to enjoy!
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish lightly with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Seasoning:
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper together. This fragrant mixture will be the base of flavor for your dish!
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts into the baking dish. Use a brush or spoon to coat both sides of the chicken with the olive oil and herb mixture. This will help keep the chicken juicy and flavorful.
4. Add the Vegetables:
Arrange the sliced zucchini rounds and halved cherry tomatoes around and on top of the chicken in a neat layer. These will roast beautifully during baking.
5. Drizzle and Bake:
Pour any leftover olive oil and herb mixture over the zucchini and tomatoes. Then, place the dish in the preheated oven and bake it uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. You want the chicken to be fully cooked—check that it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and that the veggies are tender.
6. Add Cheese (Optional):
If you fancy some cheesy goodness, sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top during the last 5 minutes of baking. Let it melt and become bubbly for a delicious finish!
7. Rest and Serve:
After baking, take the dish out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps lock in all the delicious juices. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
8. Enjoy Your Meal!
Serve this bake hot, and if you’d like, pair it with rice, quinoa, or a piece of crusty bread to soak up all the wonderful flavors!
Enjoy this wholesome and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired chicken bake that combines juicy chicken with crisp zucchini and sweet roasted tomatoes! Bon appétit! 🌿🍽️
FAQ for Easy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! While zucchini and cherry tomatoes are great choices, you can also add bell peppers, eggplant, or even spinach. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No problem! You can substitute fresh herbs with dried ones, but use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. Alternatively, Italian seasoning works well as a substitute!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to help keep the chicken moist, and warm it gently in the oven or microwave.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! To prepare in advance, assemble the dish without baking it, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to cook; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time if starting from cold.
