Name: Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 2 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds; 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped; 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped; 1 large red onion, sliced; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake: Prepare to embark on a culinary journey to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean with this vibrant and flavorful dish! Imagine tender chicken and zucchini, bathed in a fragrant blend of herbs, spices, and a touch of tangy lemon, all baked to golden perfection. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that will transport your taste buds.

The beauty of Mediterranean cuisine lies in its simplicity and reliance on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Rooted in centuries of tradition, this style of cooking emphasizes healthy fats, lean proteins, and an abundance of vegetables. While variations abound across the region, the core principles remain the same: celebrate the natural flavors of the ingredients and create dishes that are both nourishing and delicious.

What makes this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake so irresistible? It’s the perfect harmony of textures and tastes. The chicken is juicy and succulent, the zucchini offers a delightful tenderness, and the combination of herbs and spices creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight meal. People adore this dish because it’s healthy, satisfying, and bursting with the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. I know you’ll love it too!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Vegetables:

2 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 large red onion, sliced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Cheese Topping:

1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Preparing the Chicken

First, let’s get the chicken ready. In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Make sure each piece is nicely coated.
Now, add the dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it really makes a difference!
Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. I like to use my hands to make sure the spices are really worked in.
Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become more tender. If you have more time, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours.

Preparing the Vegetables

While the chicken is marinating, let’s prep the vegetables. In a large bowl, combine the sliced zucchini, chopped red bell pepper, chopped yellow bell pepper, sliced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes.
Add the minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and dried Italian seasoning to the vegetables.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Again, don’t be afraid to season generously!
Toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the oil and spices.

Assembling and Baking

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure your oven rack is in the middle position.
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the chicken and vegetables from sticking to the bottom.
Spread the seasoned vegetables evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Arrange the marinated chicken cubes over the vegetables. Try to distribute them evenly so that each bite has a good balance of chicken and vegetables.
In a small bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables. This cheesy topping will create a delicious and golden-brown crust.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). The cheese should be melted and bubbly, with some golden-brown spots.
Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the flavors to meld together even more.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. This adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to make this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake even more delicious and tailored to your preferences:

Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables that you enjoy, such as eggplant, mushrooms, or artichoke hearts. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Use Different Cheeses: If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, you can substitute it with goat cheese or ricotta cheese. You can also use a different type of shredded cheese, such as provolone or Monterey Jack.
Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken marinade or the vegetable mixture.
Add Olives: Kalamata olives or other Mediterranean olives would be a great addition to this bake. Just pit them and add them to the vegetable mixture.
Make it a One-Pan Meal: You can also cook this dish in a large skillet on the stovetop. Just make sure to use a skillet that is oven-safe if you want to finish it in the oven to melt the cheese.
Serve with a Side: This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of couscous, quinoa, or rice. A simple green salad would also be a great accompaniment.
Make it Ahead: You can assemble the bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure that everything is cooked through.
Use Chicken Thighs: For a richer flavor, you can substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Just make sure to trim off any excess fat.
Lemon Zest: Adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the vegetable mixture will brighten up the flavors and add a touch of citrusy freshness.
Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh herbs on hand, such as rosemary or thyme, feel free to add them to the vegetable mixture. They will add a wonderful aroma and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:

As a Main Course: Serve it as a main course for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. It’s a healthy and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
As a Side Dish: Serve it as a side dish to grilled chicken, fish, or steak. It’s a great way to add some vegetables and flavor to your meal.
As a Potluck Dish: Bring it to a potluck or a picnic. It’s easy to transport and can be served hot or cold.
As Leftovers: Enjoy it as leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day. It’s just as delicious reheated.
In a Wrap or Sandwich: Spoon the chicken and vegetable mixture into a pita bread or a sandwich roll for a quick and easy lunch.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving
Protein: 30-35 grams per serving
Fat: 20-25 grams per serving
Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams per serving

This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a delicious and healthy meal that is perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake isn’t just another recipe; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen in your kitchen! From the tender, juicy chicken infused with aromatic herbs and spices to the perfectly cooked zucchini and the tangy feta cheese melting into every bite, this dish is a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone looking for a healthy, delicious, and relatively easy weeknight meal.

But what truly sets this bake apart is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables! Bell peppers, eggplant, or even some sun-dried tomatoes would be fantastic additions. If you’re not a fan of feta, goat cheese or a sprinkle of Parmesan would work beautifully. And for those who prefer a little extra heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes will add a delightful kick.

Serving suggestions? Oh, the possibilities are endless! I personally love serving this bake with a side of fluffy quinoa or couscous to soak up all the delicious juices. A simple Greek salad with a lemon vinaigrette would also be a perfect complement. For a heartier meal, consider adding some roasted potatoes or a crusty loaf of bread for dipping. And if you’re looking for a lighter option, simply enjoy it on its own – it’s satisfying enough!

Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list; this recipe is surprisingly simple to put together. The key is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Trust me, you’ll taste the difference! And the best part? It’s a one-pan wonder, which means fewer dishes to wash – always a win in my book!

I’ve poured my heart into creating this recipe, and I’m so excited for you to try it. I’m confident that this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake will become a new family favorite. It’s a dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, elegant enough for a dinner party, and healthy enough to enjoy guilt-free.

Ready to embark on this culinary adventure?

I encourage you to give this recipe a try and let me know what you think! I’m always eager to hear your feedback and see your creations. Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Share your experiences in the comments below! Your insights will not only help me improve the recipe but also inspire other readers to try it.

Don’t be shy – share your photos too!

I’d love to see your beautiful Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bakes. Tag me on social media so I can admire your culinary skills. Let’s spread the love for this delicious and healthy dish! I can’t wait to hear from you and see your amazing creations. Happy baking!