Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a healthy, gluten-free one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. This dish brings together juicy chicken breasts and tender zucchini, all infused with Mediterranean flavors. With its vibrant colors and enticing aromas, this recipe makes dinner a delight. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare, allowing you to enjoy wholesome goodness without the fuss. Ready to dive into this delicious experience? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is not just another dinner; it’s a culinary journey that offers numerous benefits. First, it’s a healthy Mediterranean Chicken Bake that fits perfectly into your dietary needs. The combination of chicken and zucchini makes it a low-carb Mediterranean Chicken Bake, ideal for those watching their carbs. Additionally, this dish is gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary restrictions. The vibrant flavors of lemon, garlic, and herbs elevate this simple meal, making it feel gourmet. It’s also a one-pan Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini meal, which means less cleanup for you. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies, especially for picky eaters. Enjoying a wholesome, delicious dinner has never been easier!
Ingredients for Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Gather these items:
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 medium zucchini, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 piece lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and half of the dried herbs. Pound chicken to an even thickness.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine zucchini, garlic, remaining olive oil, lemon juice, and zest. Toss with the rest of the herbs and season to taste.
- Step 4: Place seasoned chicken in the baking dish and spread the zucchini mixture around it.
- Step 5: Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 6: In the last 5 minutes, sprinkle cheese over the dish and return to oven until melted and golden.
- Step 7: Allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving warm.
Pro Tips for the Best Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Keep these in mind:
- Chicken thighs can be used for a richer taste.
- Yellow squash or eggplant can substitute zucchini.
- Fresh garlic is preferred for better flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice and zest enhance the dish.
- Marjoram or thyme can replace oregano.
- Fresh basil can be used instead of dried.
- Fresh thyme can replace dried thyme.
- Goat cheese can be used instead of Parmesan or feta.
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken for a few hours before baking.
Best Ways to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
This delightful dish can be served in various ways. Pair it with a side of quinoa or a fresh Mediterranean salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. For a low-carb option, enjoy it on its own or with a side of steamed greens. This Zucchini Chicken Bake Recipe is versatile enough to fit any dining occasion!
How to Store and Reheat Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
To store leftovers, place the Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. This makes it an excellent choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
What’s the secret to perfect Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake?
The secret lies in evenly seasoning the chicken and allowing it to rest after baking. This ensures the chicken remains juicy while absorbing all the flavors from the zucchini and herbs. Using fresh ingredients like lemon and garlic truly enhances the dish.
Can I make Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it before serving for a fresh, warm meal. This is a great approach for busy weeknights!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake?
Avoid overcooking the chicken, as it can become dry. Make sure to check the internal temperature before removing it from the oven. Also, ensure the zucchini is cut evenly for consistent cooking.
Variations of Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake You Can Try
Feel free to get creative! You can swap out zucchini for other vegetables like bell peppers or eggplant. Add olives or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra Mediterranean flair. For a spicier twist, add red pepper flakes. This makes the dish not only gluten-free but also adaptable to suit any palate!
PrintMediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake: 7 Steps to Delight
Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a healthy, gluten-free one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 medium zucchini, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 piece lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil.
- In a large bowl, season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and half of the dried herbs. Pound chicken to an even thickness.
- In a separate bowl, combine zucchini, garlic, remaining olive oil, lemon juice, and zest. Toss with rest of herbs and season to taste.
- Place seasoned chicken in the baking dish and spread the zucchini mixture around it.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- In the last 5 minutes, sprinkle cheese over the dish and return to oven until melted and golden.
- Allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving warm.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be used for a richer taste.
- Yellow squash or eggplant can substitute zucchini.
- Fresh garlic is preferred for better flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice and zest enhance the dish.
- Marjoram or thyme can replace oregano.
- Fresh basil can be used instead of dried.
- Fresh thyme can replace dried thyme.
- Goat cheese can be used instead of Parmesan or feta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
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