Name: Chicken and Zucchini Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 large zucchinis, sliced into rounds (about 1/4-inch thick); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (for drizzling)

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If you’re looking for a dish that’s both healthy and flavorful, this Chicken and Zucchini Bake is a perfect choice. Combining tender chicken breasts with fresh zucchini, Mediterranean vegetables, and a sprinkle of tangy feta cheese, it’s a meal that’s bursting with delicious flavors. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Chicken and Zucchini Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken and Zucchini Bake is the ultimate comfort dish. It’s light, but hearty, with the perfect balance of fresh vegetables, savory chicken, and rich Mediterranean flavors. The combination of zucchini, tomatoes, olives, and feta creates a satisfying meal that’s not only easy to make but also full of vibrant, healthy ingredients. The added bonus? It’s all baked in one dish, making cleanup a breeze!

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Zucchini Bake:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 large zucchinis, sliced into rounds
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Optional Ingredients:

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (for drizzling)

Tip: You can find the full ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash the zucchini and slice it into thin rounds (about 1/4-inch thick). Place the zucchini slices on a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.

Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken to ensure it’s well-coated.

Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, slice the olives, and chop the sun-dried tomatoes. Set these aside in separate bowls.

Step 2: Assemble the Dish

Lightly grease a large baking dish and place the seasoned chicken breasts in the center, leaving space between them for the vegetables.

Surround the chicken with the zucchini slices, making sure to spread them evenly. The zucchini will soak up the flavors of the chicken and seasoning as it bakes.

Sprinkle the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes around the chicken and zucchini. These ingredients will add a burst of Mediterranean flavors.

Step 3: Bake the Dish

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The zucchini should be tender, and the chicken should be golden and fully cooked.

Step 4: Add the Cheese and Bake Again

Once the chicken is cooked, remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the chicken and zucchini. If you like extra cheese, you can also add some shredded mozzarella on top.

Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is golden brown.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. For an extra flavor boost, drizzle a little balsamic vinegar over the top before serving.

Serve the chicken breasts alongside the roasted zucchini and vegetables. This dish pairs perfectly with a side of quinoa, couscous, or a light salad for a complete meal.

Variations

Swap the chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other Mediterranean vegetables like bell peppers or eggplant to the bake for more variety.
Make it gluten-free: This dish is naturally gluten-free, but you can pair it with a gluten-free side like quinoa or rice to complete the meal.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover Chicken and Zucchini Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave for quicker reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even cooking results.

2. Can I substitute the feta cheese?

If you don’t like feta, you can use goat cheese or another cheese of your choice, like mozzarella or parmesan.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just make sure to bake it within 24 hours for the best flavor and texture.

4. What can I serve this dish with?

This dish goes wonderfully with a simple side salad, couscous, rice, or roasted potatoes.

5. How can I make this dish spicier?

If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix or toss some sliced jalapeños with the vegetables before baking.

6. Can I add other cheeses?

Yes, you can mix in shredded mozzarella, parmesan, or even ricotta for added creaminess.

7. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, fresh tomatoes will work well, but they may not have the same intense flavor as sun-dried tomatoes.

8. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh and use vegan cheese for the topping.

9. Can I cook this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can assemble everything in a slow cooker on low heat for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked.

10. How can I make this dish more flavorful?

You can marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before baking for extra flavor.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Zucchini Bake is an easy and flavorful dish that’s packed with Mediterranean ingredients. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or for a special occasion when you want to impress guests with a delicious, healthy meal. The combination of tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and savory cheese creates a satisfying meal that is both light and hearty at the same time