Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a dish bursting with flavor and healthy ingredients that perfectly combines juicy chicken breasts with herbed zucchini.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds or half-moons
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup crumbled feta or shredded Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- First, turn on your oven to preheat it at 375°F (190°C). As the oven warms up, grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil to prevent sticking and to enhance the dish’s flavor.
- Take the chicken breasts and season them generously with salt, black pepper, and half of the dried herbs you’ve gathered. For uniform cooking, use a meat tenderizer to pound the chicken to an even thickness, ensuring each piece cooks through properly and remains juicy.
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the sliced zucchinis with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Toss in the remaining herbs, along with a pinch of salt and pepper, to enhance the flavor profile and aroma.
- Now it’s time to layer your ingredients into the greased baking dish. Place the seasoned chicken at the center and arrange the zucchini slices around it, creating a colorful and appetizing presentation. This not only makes for beautiful plating but also allows the flavors to meld as they bake.
- Transfer the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 25–30 minutes. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you’re a fan of cheese, sprinkle feta or Parmesan on top of the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking to let it melt beautifully.
- Once your Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is out of the oven, allow it to rest for about 5–10 minutes. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, ensuring every bite is deliciously moist. Garnish with extra herbs if desired, or drizzle a touch of olive oil for an extra layer of flavor.
Notes
Chicken can be substituted with turkey, fish, or tofu for different flavors. This dish is perfect for meal prep and can be customized with different vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Protein: 30 g