Description
A vibrant, nourishing, and easy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake combining tender chicken breasts, fresh zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and classic Mediterranean flavors like garlic, oregano, and lemon, topped with creamy feta cheese. This one-pan, low-carb dish is perfect for a healthy weeknight meal that’s full of colorful veggies and bold, bright herbaceous notes.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings & Oils
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Dairy
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients: Slice the zucchinis into thick rounds and halve the cherry tomatoes. Mince the garlic and pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure better browning.
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly with this marinade and let them rest for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Arrange the bake: Place the marinated chicken breasts evenly in a baking dish. Surround them with the zucchini slices and halved cherry tomatoes. Drizzle any remaining marinade over the vegetables to infuse flavor.
- Bake until tender: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the dish for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Add feta and garnish: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the bake during the last 5 minutes of cooking, allowing it to soften and gently melt. Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest briefly before serving.
Notes
- Cut zucchini and cherry tomatoes into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Do not skip marinating; it imparts essential flavor and tenderness to the chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking the chicken and maintain juiciness.
- Allow the dish to rest a few minutes after baking to lock in juices.
- Finish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil for added freshness and color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Mediterranean, chicken, zucchini, bake, healthy dinner, low carb, easy recipe, one dish