Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake

$- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons - 1 red bell pepper, diced into small pieces - 1 yellow onion, chopped finely - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnishing Start by cutting the chicken and vegetables. I like to cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. This helps it cook evenly. For the zucchinis, slice them into half-moons. This shape gives a nice texture. Dice the red bell pepper and chop the yellow onion finely. Next, prep your spices and marinades. In a large bowl, mix the chicken with olive oil, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. This step is key. It adds flavor to the chicken. Make sure every piece gets coated well. These simple steps make a big difference. You’ll find that the chicken and veggies blend well in the bake. Plus, the flavors become even richer as they cook together in the oven. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures that the chicken cooks well and the veggies soften nicely. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything until each piece of chicken is coated in the oil and spices. This step adds flavor and moisture to the chicken. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil. Start by layering the sliced zucchini evenly along the bottom. This creates a solid base. Next, add the marinated chicken mixture on top, spreading it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the diced red bell pepper and chopped yellow onion over the chicken layer. Now, sprinkle the minced garlic across the dish. This will infuse great flavor while baking. Follow this by adding the halved cherry tomatoes, which add freshness. Finally, distribute the crumbled feta cheese and sliced Kalamata olives over the top. This ensures every bite is tasty and exciting. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place the dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. This helps the chicken and vegetables cook through. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes. Check the chicken’s doneness with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, take the dish out of the oven. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the juices to settle. Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a vibrant touch. Enjoy your delicious Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake! To get the best texture, adjust baking times. If your chicken pieces are larger, bake a bit longer. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer; aim for 165°F (75°C). After baking, let the dish rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle, making every bite juicy and tender. Add extra herbs to boost flavor. Fresh basil or thyme works great. You can also try a hint of red pepper flakes for some heat. Marinades are a fun twist. Consider a lemon-garlic marinade for the chicken, or drizzle balsamic vinegar before serving. For serving, use individual bowls for a personal touch. Drizzle olive oil on top for shine. Sprinkle extra parsley for color. Pair with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. This not only looks great but also tastes amazing! Pro Tips Marinate for More Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes before baking. This extra time will enhance the flavors of the spices and make the chicken more tender. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh vegetables and herbs. Fresh ingredients not only elevate the taste of the dish but also add vibrant colors and nutrients. Experiment with Cheese: While feta cheese is traditional, try using other cheeses like goat cheese or mozzarella for a different flavor profile. Each cheese will bring its own unique taste and texture to the dish. Make it a Meal: Serve this bake with a side of whole grain rice or quinoa to make it a more filling meal. You can also add a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast. {{image_4}} You can switch proteins in this dish. Try using tofu for a vegan option. Turkey also works well if you want a leaner meat choice. Both will soak up the great flavors. For vegetables, feel free to mix and match. You can add bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach. Each choice adds its unique taste and texture. If you need a gluten-free version, just skip the feta cheese. Use a gluten-free cheese alternative instead. This way, you still enjoy the creamy texture. For a vegan or vegetarian dish, replace chicken with chickpeas or lentils. These options add protein and fiber. You can also increase the veggies for a hearty meal. Spice lovers can add chili flakes or cayenne for heat. These spices enhance the dish without overpowering. Start with a little and adjust to your liking. Cheese lovers might enjoy adding mozzarella or goat cheese. Both melt nicely and bring rich flavors. Mixing cheeses can create a delightful taste experience. To keep your Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake fresh, cool it to room temperature first. Then, place it in airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers with tight lids work best. This helps keep the flavors intact and prevents drying out. Store it in the fridge. It will stay good for about three to four days. When you reheat your dish, avoid drying it out. The oven is a great method. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to lock in moisture. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also use the microwave for quick reheating. Place a damp paper towel over the dish to keep it moist. Heat for 2 to 3 minutes, checking halfway through. To freeze your Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake, let it cool completely. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the containers with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. For best results, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the texture and taste just right. Yes, you can use many other vegetables. Here are some great options: - Eggplant, diced - Spinach, fresh or frozen - Mushrooms, sliced - Carrots, thinly sliced - Broccoli, cut into small florets Feel free to mix and match. Just remember to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. This dish pairs well with several sides. Here are some tasty ideas: - Crusty bread for dipping - A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette - Quinoa or rice for a filling option - Roasted potatoes for added heartiness Choose what you love and enjoy! It lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. When reheating, ensure that it is hot all the way through. If it smells off, it’s best to toss it. Safety first! This blog post covered how to make a tasty Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake. We looked at key ingredients, like chicken and vegetables, and how to prep them. I shared step-by-step instructions and tips to ensure the dish has perfect texture. You also learned about variations for dietary needs and how to store leftovers. Try this dish for a healthy meal. It's easy to make and full of flavor. Enjoy experimenting with it in your kitchen!$

Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake

A flavorful and healthy bake featuring chicken, zucchini, and Mediterranean ingredients.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
1 unit red bell pepper, diced into small pieces
1 unit yellow onion, chopped finely
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
0.25 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
0.5 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 unit fresh parsley, chopped, for garnishing

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with the olive oil, dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to toss everything together until the chicken is well coated with the oil and spices.
Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Layer the sliced zucchinis evenly along the bottom of the dish, creating a solid base.
Top the zucchinis with the marinated chicken mixture, making sure to distribute it evenly. Then, add the diced red bell pepper and chopped yellow onion over the chicken layer.
Evenly sprinkle the minced garlic across the top of the dish to infuse flavor, and follow with the halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness.
Finish by generously distributing the crumbled feta cheese and Kalamata olives over the entire dish, ensuring every bite will be flavorful.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes to allow the chicken and vegetables to cook through.
After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender. You can check the chicken's doneness with a meat thermometer; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Once cooked, take the baking dish out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the juices to settle. Before serving, garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch.

Notes

Serve warm in individual bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and extra parsley. Pair with crusty bread or a side salad.

Keyword bake, chicken, mediterranean, zucchini