Description
A flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake featuring tender chicken breasts baked with fresh zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, and red onion, seasoned with garlic, oregano, and thyme, then topped with fresh herbs and crumbled feta cheese. This wholesome, one-dish meal offers a perfect balance of protein and vegetables with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced (about 2 cups)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup red bell pepper, sliced
- ½ cup red onion, sliced
Seasoning & Herbs
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Cheese
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking your chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish, ensuring there is enough space for the vegetables around them.
- Add Vegetables: Arrange the sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red bell pepper, and sliced red onion evenly around the chicken breasts for balanced cooking.
- Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this aromatic mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables to infuse flavor during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F/75°C) and the vegetables are tender.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and basil over the hot bake to add a burst of color and fresh flavor.
- Finish with Feta: Top the dish with crumbled feta cheese right before serving to add a creamy and tangy Mediterranean touch.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken breasts are of similar size for even cooking.
- Feel free to substitute fresh oregano and thyme if available, for enhanced flavor.
- You can add a splash of lemon juice before serving for extra brightness.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish pairs well with quinoa, rice, or crusty bread.
