Description
A healthy, easy, and flavorful one-pan Mediterranean chicken zucchini bake featuring lean chicken, fresh zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 medium zucchinis (about 600g), thinly sliced or chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (150g), halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (75g)
- Salt (preferably kosher) and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice zucchini into thin rounds or half-moons. Halve cherry tomatoes and mince garlic. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss chicken, zucchini, tomatoes, and garlic with olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a 9×13 inch baking dish, keeping chicken pieces in a single layer. Pour any leftover marinade over the top.
- Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to trap steam and keep chicken tender.
- Remove foil, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and feta turns golden.
- Optional: Broil for the last 2 minutes for a crunchy top, watching carefully to avoid burning the cheese.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid soggy veggies. Slice zucchini thin for even cooking. Use fresh lemon juice for brightness. Let the dish rest 5 minutes after baking to redistribute juices. For less salty cheese, add feta halfway through baking. Broil last 2 minutes for crunch if desired. Can swap chicken breasts for thighs or turkey; tofu works for vegetarian. Add other veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms (sauté mushrooms first). Store leftovers in airtight container up to 4 days; reheat gently on stovetop or microwave with added moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 430
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, zucchini bake, healthy dinner, one-pan meal, easy chicken recipe, feta cheese, low carb, weeknight dinner