Description
Mediterranean chicken zucchini bake brings layers of rustic Greek flavors to your dinner table. Juicy chicken nestled among herb-infused zucchini creates a wholesome meal you’ll savor with Mediterranean charm.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Vegetables and Produce:
- 2 large zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup olives, pitted and sliced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Seasonings and Oils:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Serving Options:
- Cooked couscous or quinoa for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly coat a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Create a base layer by arranging zucchini slices evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Mix olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl, then thoroughly coat chicken breasts with the herbal marinade.
- Position the seasoned chicken breasts directly on top of the zucchini layer, then distribute cherry tomatoes and olives across the surface.
- Generously sprinkle crumbled feta and shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire dish, ensuring even coverage.
- Shield the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove foil and return to oven for an additional 10 minutes, allowing cheese to become golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow flavors to settle and dish to cool slightly.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with couscous or quinoa for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Notes
- Ensure zucchini slices are evenly cut to promote uniform cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
- Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to help herbs and spices adhere better and create a more flavorful, crispy exterior.
- Consider reducing cheese quantity or using low-fat alternatives for a lighter, heart-healthy version of the dish.
- Swap chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly adaptation that maintains the Mediterranean flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg