Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
A quick and healthy Mediterranean-inspired chicken bake featuring tender zucchini, juicy chicken thighs, and a flavorful blend of garlic, lemon, oregano, and feta cheese. Perfect for fuss-free weeknight dinners that are both nutritious and delicious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (about 5.3 ounces)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 2.6 ounces)
- Small bunch fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine chicken thighs with 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly and let marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- Slice zucchinis into 1/4-inch rounds. In a separate bowl, toss zucchini slices with 1 tablespoon olive oil, halved cherry tomatoes, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Lightly oil a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper. Spread the zucchini and tomatoes evenly across the bottom.
- Place the marinated chicken thighs on top of the vegetables, spacing them out for even cooking.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and zucchini is tender but not mushy.
- Five minutes before the end of baking, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Return to oven until cheese softens and lightly browns.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Pat zucchini slices dry before tossing with oil to avoid sogginess. If you prefer a crispier chicken skin, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning. Do not overcrowd zucchini slices to ensure roasting rather than steaming. Chicken breasts can be used but reduce baking time by 5-10 minutes to avoid drying out. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat best in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, zucchini bake, healthy dinner, one-pan meal, chicken thighs, feta cheese, garlic, lemon, oregano