Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a wholesome, vibrant dish that captures all the best flavors of the Mediterranean, this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is absolute perfection. Tender chicken breasts mingle with juicy cherry tomatoes, ribbons of zucchini, briny olives, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, all finished with a sprinkle of creamy feta. This meal doesn’t just taste like a Mediterranean holiday—it’s packed with color, ready in just one dish, and an absolute breeze to pull together on any night of the week. Whether you’re entertaining or feeding your family, the Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake brings sunshine and satisfaction to the table every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this recipe is how every ingredient serves a delicious purpose. These are pantry-friendly basics that fill the dish with fresh flavors and bold color combinations, so don’t skip or skimp on any of them!

  • Chicken breasts: The star protein that becomes wonderfully juicy and soaks up all those Mediterranean flavors.
  • Zucchinis: Sliced and nestled alongside the chicken, they bring tenderness and a pop of green.
  • Cherry tomatoes: These add a burst of sweetness and juiciness in every bite.
  • Black olives: For a little salty bite that’s unmistakably Mediterranean.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: Their intense, tangy flavor adds depth and a lovely chewiness.
  • Feta cheese: Sprinkled at the end for creamy, salty perfection that finishes the bake.
  • Olive oil: Just a touch goes a long way in keeping everything tender and flavorful.
  • Dried oregano: Essential for that classic herby Mediterranean essence.
  • Dried basil: Brings freshness and layers of mild sweetness to balance the other flavors.
  • Garlic powder: For gentle aromatic notes without the hassle of mincing fresh garlic.
  • Salt & pepper: A final flourish to bring all the flavors together.

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, take a moment to gather and prep all your ingredients—having everything ready to go makes assembly a total breeze and ensures even cooking.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Drizzle your chicken breasts with olive oil, then season both sides generously with dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Don’t be shy—this is where the flavor magic starts, and those herbs soak right into each piece.

Step 3: Assemble the Bake

Grab your favorite greased baking dish and arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the center. Surround them artfully with zucchini slices, cherry tomato halves, and sliced olives. Sprinkle in the sun-dried tomatoes too—every corner should get a taste of the Mediterranean!

Step 4: Bake to Tender Perfection

Slide the whole dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for chicken that’s cooked through and registers 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. In the final minutes, scatter the feta cheese on top so it just begins to melt, creating little pockets of salty, creamy deliciousness.

Step 5: Time to Serve

Once everything is bubbling and golden, grab a handful of freshly chopped parsley, sprinkle it generously over the top, and get ready to serve your Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake straight from the oven. Nothing beats how incredible this looks—and smells!—when set in the center of the table.

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or basil add not only beautiful color but an aromatic finish that pops against the warm, tangy flavors. For extra flair, try a light squeeze of lemon over the top right before serving.

Side Dishes

I love pairing the Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake with simple sides like fluffy couscous, lemony rice pilaf, or a fresh mixed greens salad. If you’re after a heartier meal, a slice of rustic, toasted bread is perfect for soaking up all those amazing juices.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange individual portions in shallow bowls over a bed of herby quinoa or serve family-style right from the bubbling baking dish. For extra drama, garnish with whole cherry tomatoes and sprinkle extra crumbled feta on top just before bringing it to the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any remaining Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep beautifully for up to three days without losing any of its charm.

Freezing

If you want to save some for a rainy day, this bake holds up well in the freezer. Simply package cooled portions individually, making sure to remove as much air as possible. They’ll be good for up to three months, ready to rescue your weeknight dinners.

Reheating

To reheat, place your desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through, or reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10–15 minutes. If things look a little dry, a drizzle of olive oil or a splash of broth will bring everything back to life.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and often stay even juicier than breasts. You may need to add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time depending on their size.

Is it possible to make this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake vegetarian?

Definitely! Just swap the chicken for thick slices of eggplant or add a layer of cooked chickpeas for plant-based protein. The rest of the Mediterranean flavors still shine just as brightly.

What can I use instead of feta cheese?

Try crumbled goat cheese for a tangy twist, or even shaved parmesan if you prefer a milder, nutty flavor. Both options pair wonderfully with the veggies and herbs.

Can I prep Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake ahead?

Yes, you can assemble the entire dish up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven—add a few extra minutes if baking from cold.

Will this recipe work with yellow squash instead of zucchini?

For sure! Yellow squash makes a seamless swap for zucchini in the Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake, and the pop of color is just gorgeous.

Final Thoughts

It’s downright impossible not to fall in love with the big, bold flavors and vivid colors of Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake. Try it for yourself, and let this cozy, flavor-packed dish wow your dinner table. I promise your tastebuds (and your guests) will thank you!

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Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe

Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe


  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a flavorful and wholesome dish that combines tender chicken breasts with fresh zucchini, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, all seasoned with aromatic herbs. A satisfying one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Vegetables:

  • 2 large zucchinis, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup black olives, sliced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

Additional:

  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Arrange Ingredients: In a greased baking dish, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the center. Surround them with zucchini slices, cherry tomatoes, and black olives.
  4. Bake: Bake the dish uncovered for 30–35 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Optionally, top with crumbled feta cheese during the last few minutes of baking.
  5. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

  • You can customize this dish by adding your favorite Mediterranean herbs or vegetables.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked through before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: Mediterranean, Chicken, Zucchini, Bake, One-Pan, Easy, Flavorful

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