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Easy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake

Mediterranean chicken zucchini bake - featured image

A quick and wholesome Mediterranean-inspired bake featuring juicy chicken breasts, tender zucchini, olives, feta, and zesty lemon, perfect for healthy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (preferably Greek feta)
  • Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • A handful fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and half the dried oregano. Set aside.
  3. Wash and slice the zucchini into about 1/4-inch thick rounds, keeping them uniform.
  4. In a large bowl, combine zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, Kalamata olives, lemon zest, and remaining oregano. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and toss gently to coat evenly.
  5. Spread the vegetable mixture evenly in a large baking dish (9×13 inches). Nestle the seasoned chicken breasts on top.
  6. Pour the juice of one lemon over the chicken and veggies, then drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over everything.
  7. Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and zucchini is tender but not mushy.
  8. Sprinkle the crumbled feta evenly over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking to soften without melting completely.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For juicier chicken, pound breasts slightly for even cooking. Add feta cheese in the last 5 minutes to keep it creamy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. Zucchini may release water during roasting, which keeps the dish juicy. Line baking dish with parchment or foil for easier cleanup.

Nutrition

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