Healthy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake (Print Version)
Enjoy a healthy, flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake. This easy one-pan meal is packed with fresh veggies and lean protein for a satisfying dinner.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Dietary: Gluten-Free, Low-Calorie
# Ingredients:
→ Golden Bake Base
01 -
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 -
2 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced into 1/2-inch thick half-moons
03 -
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
04 -
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
05 -
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into 1-inch pieces
→ Mediterranean Flavor Boosters
06 -
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
07 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
08 -
1 whole lemon, zested and juiced
09 -
1 tsp dried oregano
10 -
1/2 tsp dried thyme
11 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
12 -
1 tsp sea salt, plus more to taste
13 -
1/2 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
→ Finishing Touches & Tang
14 -
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
15 -
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
16 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 400°F. On a large baking sheet, combine 2 medium zucchini (halved, sliced into 1/2-inch half-moons), 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved), 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced), and 1 red bell pepper (cored, seeded, cut into 1-inch pieces). This forms the base for your Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake.
02 -
Add 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes) to the baking sheet. Drizzle with 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil. Add 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss well to coat everything evenly.
03 -
Zest the whole lemon directly over the chicken and vegetables on the baking sheet. Squeeze the juice from the whole lemon over the mixture. Toss again to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined and coated with the fresh lemon flavor for your Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake.
04 -
Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the vegetables to start tenderizing. This initial bake sets the stage for a delicious Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake.
05 -
Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Sprinkle 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese and 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (pitted, halved) evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the feta is slightly softened and the chicken is golden.
06 -
Carefully remove the Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake | Healthy One-Pan Meal from the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish generously with 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot as a complete, healthy meal.
# Notes:
01 -
For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
02 -
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
03 -
Feel free to swap chicken breast for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Other vegetables like broccoli florets or asparagus spears also work well.
04 -
This dish is fantastic on its own, but also pairs wonderfully with a side of quinoa, brown rice, or a light green salad.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large baking sheet
02 -
Large mixing bowl
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Chef's knife
05 -
Measuring cups and spoons
06 -
Zester
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 502 kcal
Total Fat: 21 g
Total Carbohydrate: 16 g
Protein: 58 g