Description
A flavorful and healthy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake featuring tender chicken breasts marinated with herbs, roasted alongside vibrant zucchinis, bell peppers, onions, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives, finished with crumbled feta cheese and served with fresh lemon wedges.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Toppings
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Prepare Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful herb marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the herb marinade to infuse flavor.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts in a baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced for proper cooking.
- Toss Vegetables: In the same bowl, toss the sliced zucchinis, chopped red and yellow bell peppers, chopped red onion, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives with any remaining marinade.
- Add Vegetables to Dish: Spread the vegetable mixture evenly around the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow the chicken and vegetables to start cooking gently.
- Add Feta Cheese: Remove the foil and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the chicken and vegetables to add a creamy, tangy finish.
- Bake Uncovered: Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh citrusy accent.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- You can substitute Kalamata olives with green olives if preferred.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours before baking.
- The dish pairs well with a side of quinoa, rice, or a light green salad.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
