Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake

Hey there, food lovers! Are you ready for a recipe that’s as vibrant and flavorful as a sun-drenched Mediterranean coastline? Then get ready to fall head over heels for this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake! This isn’t your grandma’s casserole; it’s a burst of fresh, healthy goodness that’s surprisingly simple to make. Imagine tender chicken, perfectly cooked zucchini, and a medley of sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and fragrant herbs all baked to golden perfection. The taste? Oh, my goodness, the taste! It’s a symphony of savory and slightly sweet, with a hint of tanginess that will keep you coming back for seconds (and thirds!).

What truly sets this recipe apart is its incredible texture. The zucchini remains delightfully tender, while the chicken is juicy and flavorful. The combination of creamy feta cheese and the rich tomato sauce creates a luscious base that perfectly complements the other ingredients. Best of all, this recipe is incredibly quick to prepare. You can have it in the oven in under 30 minutes, and the incredible aroma wafting from your kitchen will make the wait even more enjoyable. This is the perfect weeknight meal, a crowd-pleasing dish for a dinner party, or a healthy and satisfying lunch you can easily pack for work. Prepare to be transported to the Mediterranean with every bite – without even needing a plane ticket!

What You’ll Need

This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake recipe calls for simple, fresh ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs): The star of the show! Choose high-quality chicken for the best flavor.
Zucchini (3 medium): Provides a healthy and hearty base for the bake. Choose firm zucchini for optimal texture.
Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds a savory depth to the dish.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Essential for that Mediterranean aroma and flavor.
Sun-dried tomatoes (1/2 cup, oil-packed, drained): Their intense flavor adds a burst of sweetness and tanginess.
Kalamata olives (1/2 cup, pitted and halved): Their salty brininess perfectly complements the other ingredients.
Fresh basil (1/4 cup, chopped): Adds that perfect pop of herby flavor.
Oregano (1 teaspoon, dried): A classic Mediterranean herb that enhances the overall taste.
Crumbled feta cheese (1 cup): Provides a creamy, salty, tangy topping.
Canned diced tomatoes (1 (14.5 ounce) can): Forms the base of the flavorful sauce.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing the vegetables and chicken.
Salt and pepper: To taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! This recipe is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for a delicious Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your bake cooks evenly.
Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened (about 5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Tip: Don’t burn the garlic!
Cook the chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides. This step adds extra flavor and texture to the chicken.
Add the zucchini and tomatoes: Add the diced zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, oregano, and canned diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Tip: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer the mixture for a few more minutes.
Simmer and blend flavors: Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to your preference.
Top with feta: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top of the mixture.
Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the zucchini is tender. Tip: To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Garnish and serve: Once baked, garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake turns out perfectly, here are a few helpful tips:

Don’t overcrowd the skillet. If your skillet is too full, the zucchini and chicken might steam instead of bake properly. Use a larger skillet or bake in two batches if needed. Make sure to drain the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes before adding them to the bake; too much oil can make the final dish greasy. If you prefer a crispier topping, broil the bake for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time, but watch it carefully to prevent burning. For even more intense flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to personalize your bake!

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking! Here are a few variations to explore:

Spicy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick. Vegetarian Mediterranean Zucchini Bake: Simply omit the chicken and add a can of chickpeas or white beans for extra protein. Gluten-Free Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just make sure all your ingredients are certified gluten-free if needed. Add different vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, eggplant, or mushrooms. Creamy version: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or Greek yogurt at the end for a creamier texture.

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until heated through, or gently reheat in a skillet or oven until warmed. Freezing this bake is also possible; allow it to cool completely before storing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat frozen leftovers, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. Remember, reheating methods may slightly alter the texture; the best way to preserve the original quality is to enjoy it fresh!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen zucchini? A: It’s best to use fresh zucchini for this recipe, as frozen zucchini can release excess water during cooking, potentially making the bake watery. However, you can use frozen zucchini if that’s what you have; simply thaw it completely and pat it dry before adding it to the skillet.

Q: Can I use different types of olives? A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of olives, such as Castelvetrano or green olives. The flavor profile will vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Q: How long does the bake keep in the refrigerator? A: This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time? A: You can prepare the components ahead of time – chop the vegetables and prepare the chicken – but it’s best to assemble and bake the dish right before serving for optimal texture and flavor.

Q: Is it possible to make this in a slow cooker? A: While not ideal, you could adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the chicken separately, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. However, the texture might differ slightly.

The Final Word

This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Its vibrant flavors, satisfying texture, and ease of preparation make it a true winner. The combination of tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and aromatic herbs creates a dish that’s both healthy and delicious. So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a comment below, rate the recipe, and share your photos on social media. Happy cooking!

Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake

A healthy and flavorful bake combining chicken, zucchini, and Mediterranean spices.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 35

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

9×13 inch baking dish Or a similar sized oven-safe dish

Ingredients

Chicken & Vegetables

1 lb Chicken breast Cut into 1-inch cubes
2 medium Zucchini sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
1 medium Onion chopped
1 cup Cherry tomatoes halved

Sauce & Seasoning

1 tbsp Olive oil
1 tsp Dried oregano
1 tsp Garlic powder
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Black pepper
1 cup Feta cheese crumbled

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine the chicken (ing_1), zucchini (ing_2), onion (ing_3), and cherry tomatoes (ing_4).
Drizzle with olive oil (ing_5) and season with oregano (ing_6), garlic powder (ing_7), salt (ing_8), and pepper (ing_9).
Toss to coat evenly.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the zucchini is tender.
Sprinkle with feta cheese (ing_10) during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.