If you’re looking for a meal that’s both nutritious and packed with flavor, this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is just what you need. This one-pan wonder combines tender chicken with fresh zucchini, tomatoes, and olives, all seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a healthy family dinner.
Imagine the aroma of seasoned chicken baking alongside tender zucchini and juicy tomatoes. Each bite is a delightful mix of Mediterranean flavors that will transport you straight to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean. With minimal prep and cleanup, this dish is as convenient as it is delicious.
What makes this bake truly special is the blend of Mediterranean ingredients and herbs. The combination of olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil creates a vibrant and flavorful meal that’s both healthy and hearty. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those summer zucchinis from your garden or farmer’s market.
Resume of the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake brings together tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and a medley of Mediterranean ingredients in one easy dish. The chicken is seasoned with herbs and baked with zucchini, tomatoes, and olives, creating a flavorful and nutritious meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy family meal, this bake is both delicious and easy to prepare.
Exciting Story: I discovered this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake during a quest to find a quick and healthy dinner option that my whole family would love. I was looking for something with bold flavors and minimal fuss, and this recipe fit the bill perfectly. From the first bite, it was clear that this bake was a winner. The blend of Mediterranean flavors made it feel like a special meal, even though it was so easy to prepare. It’s now a regular in our dinner rotation, especially during the warmer months when zucchinis are in abundance.
Why This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake?
- Flavorful and Fresh: Combines Mediterranean ingredients like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil for a vibrant taste.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vegetables and lean chicken, this dish is both satisfying and wholesome.
- One-Pan Convenience: Easy to prepare with minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced zucchinis, cherry tomatoes, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Arrange the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the vegetable mixture evenly around the chicken in the baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The vegetables should be tender and slightly caramelized.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken breasts in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for a few hours before baking.
- Make sure to slice the zucchini and tomatoes evenly for consistent cooking.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers or red onions for more variety.
Make a Healthier Version:
- Use skinless chicken thighs or reduce the amount of olive oil to lower the fat content.
- Replace regular olives with reduced-sodium olives to reduce sodium intake.
Closing: And there you have it! This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean. We hope you love it as much as we do. Let us know how it turns out and check out some of our other tasty recipes!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
- Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, red onions, or mushrooms for more variety.
- Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
- Yes, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Bone-in chicken may take longer to cook.
- How can I make this dish spicier?
- Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the vegetable mixture.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- You can prep the ingredients and assemble the dish a day in advance. Store in the refrigerator and bake when ready to eat.
- What’s the best way to store leftovers?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Can I freeze this dish?
- Yes, you can freeze the cooked dish. Let it cool completely before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
- What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
- You can use fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers as a substitute.
- How can I add more protein to this dish?
- Add a sprinkle of feta cheese or serve with a side of quinoa or couscous for extra protein.
- Is there a substitute for kalamata olives?
- Yes, you can use green olives or black olives if kalamata olives are not available.
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- Yes, omit the chicken and add extra vegetables or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian option.
Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal1
hour10
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
4 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 medium 2 zucchinis, sliced
1 cup 1 cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup 1/2 kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
1/4 cup 1/4 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 cloves 2 garlic, minced
2 tablespoons 2 olive oil
1 teaspoon 1 dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 dried basil
1/4 teaspoon 1/4 red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced zucchinis, cherry tomatoes, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Arrange the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the vegetable mixture evenly around the chicken in the baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The vegetables should be tender and slightly caramelized.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot.
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