Name: Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487919H35M12S
Total time: PT-487919H35M12S
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 teaspoons dried oregano, divided; 2 medium zucchini, sliced thin; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons); 1 cup crumbled feta cheese

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavorful dinner that captures the sun-soaked essence of the Mediterranean with minimal fuss, the Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake should absolutely be at the top of your list. This dish brings together juicy chicken breasts, crisp zucchini slices, and bursts of sweet cherry tomatoes—all layered under a canopy of tangy feta and fragrant herbs. Each bite is a medley of creamy, briny, and fresh flavors that will transport you to a seaside villa, no passport required. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want something easy and healthy for the family, the Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is pure comfort, Mediterranean style.

Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is how the simplest ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, create a dish that feels restaurant-worthy. Every item on this list is purposeful: from the juicy chicken that anchors the meal, to the cheese and herbs that bring everything to life with their punchy flavors.

Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy, protein-packed cooking that stays tender.
Zucchini: Sliced thin, zucchini bakes down into melt-in-your-mouth layers that soak up the lemony, herby sauce.
Cherry tomatoes: Halved for maximum burst factor, they add pops of juicy sweetness as they roast.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds rich, peppery flavor and helps everything roast up nicely without drying out.
Garlic: Four whole cloves give the dish undeniable Mediterranean flair and savoriness.
Dried oregano: Classic, earthy, and aromatic; a foundation for authentic flavor.
Feta cheese: Crumbled on top, this tangy, creamy cheese creates the hallmark finish of the Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake.
Lemon juice: Just-squeezed lemon brightens every ingredient, tying the flavors together beautifully.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the fresh elements.

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start off strong: preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), setting the stage for golden, bubbly results. Give your baking dish a light coat of olive oil or nonstick spray so nothing clings and clean-up is a breeze later.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat your chicken breasts dry, then give them a generous sprinkle of salt, pepper, and half the dried oregano. This ensures every bite of chicken is well-seasoned and aromatic, locking in flavor from the start.

Step 3: Arrange the Vegetables

Scatter the thinly sliced zucchini and halved cherry tomatoes evenly around the chicken in the baking dish. As everything cooks, the veggies will release juices that mingle with the chicken, creating a natural sauce right in the pan.

Step 4: Whisk and Drizzle

In a small bowl, whisk together your olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and the rest of the oregano. Pour this brilliant, vibrant mixture over the chicken and veggies—every drop infuses the dish with sunshine and zest.

Step 5: Feta Finale

Now the most satisfying part: scatter crumbled feta cheese all over the top. As it bakes, the feta softens and browns slightly, blending its tang with those Mediterranean flavors.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your dish into the hot oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through (165°F/75°C on a thermometer), and the zucchini is perfectly tender, absorbing all those juices from the pan.

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake

Garnishes

Right before serving, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil brings a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color to the Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake. You can even add a few extra lemon wedges for squeezing, or a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added richness and gloss.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy couscous, nutty quinoa, or a simple warm flatbread for soaking up all those lemony pan juices. A crisp Greek salad or a bowl of herby rice takes things to another level, rounding out the meal with extra Mediterranean flair.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more casual get-together, serve the bake straight from the dish family-style, letting everyone help themselves to juicy chicken and veggies. For a dinner party twist, plate each chicken breast over a bed of lightly dressed arugula, or stuff the chicken and veggies into toasted pita pockets for a playful, hands-on spin.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is one of life’s happy surprises—it holds up beautifully for up to 3 days in the fridge. Just transfer everything to an airtight container and spoon a bit of the pan juices over the top to keep everything moist.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze any leftovers for up to two months. For best results, cool the bake completely and portion it into freezer-safe containers. The texture of zucchini may soften a bit after thawing, but the flavors will still be fantastic.

Reheating

To reheat, simply transfer the portion you want to a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot (about 15-20 minutes). For a speedy option, use the microwave, though the oven helps keep the cheese and chicken at their best.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake. Just keep in mind they may require a few extra minutes in the oven, but the results will be just as tender and full of flavor.

How do I keep the zucchini from becoming too watery?

Slice the zucchini thin but not paper-thin, and use the suggested baking time and temperature. The bake is designed so the zucchini releases just enough moisture to make a sauce, but not so much that it becomes mushy.

Can I prepare Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake ahead of time?

Definitely. You can assemble everything up until the baking step and store it covered in the fridge for several hours. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven for a super quick, no-stress dinner.

What can I use instead of feta cheese?

If feta’s not your favorite, try crumbled goat cheese or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Both add a creamy, salty note that suits the dish, though the classic tang of feta is hard to beat.

Is Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake gluten free?

Yes! This recipe contains no gluten as written, making it perfect for anyone avoiding wheat. Just check your feta and seasonings to make sure there are no unexpected additives.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard not to swoon over every forkful of Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake—colorful, nourishing, and packed with the kind of flavors that feel like a celebration. If you’re craving a meal that’s as easy as it is bountiful, give this recipe a try and let it brighten your table tonight.

Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 10 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake combines tender chicken breasts with flavorful zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese, all baked to perfection in a lemony garlic-infused olive oil sauce. A simple yet delicious dish that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
2 teaspoons dried oregano, divided

For the Vegetables:

2 medium zucchini, sliced thin
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

For the Sauce:

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)

1 cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season with salt, pepper, and half of the oregano.
Prepare the Dish: Arrange the sliced zucchini and halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the baking dish.
Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and remaining oregano; drizzle over the chicken and vegetables.
Add the Cheese: Crumble feta cheese on top of the chicken and vegetables.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the vegetables are tender.

Notes

This dish pairs well with a side of couscous or a fresh green salad.
Feel free to customize the vegetables with your favorites like bell peppers or red onions.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mediterranean