Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) Recipe
This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a vibrant, healthy dish featuring tender chicken breasts baked with fresh zucchini, aromatic herbs, and zesty lemon. Enhanced with olive oil and sprinkled with Parmesan or feta cheese, this flavorful meal is easy to prepare and perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
Zucchini Mixture
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds or half-moons
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cheese (Optional)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and half of the dried oregano, basil, and thyme. For even cooking, optionally pound the chicken breasts to uniform thickness.
- Prepare the Zucchini: In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced zucchini with olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, the remaining oregano, basil, thyme, and salt and pepper to taste, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Layer the Ingredients: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the center of the prepared baking dish. Arrange the zucchini slices evenly around the chicken in a single layer for uniform roasting.
- Bake the Dish: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). During the last 5 minutes, sprinkle the cheese evenly over the chicken and zucchini to allow it to melt and create a delicious topping.
- Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve the chicken alongside or atop the roasted zucchini, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or a light drizzle of olive oil.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Use fresh herbs when possible for more vibrant flavor, though dried herbs work well.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest according to your taste preferences.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread, quinoa, or a light salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, zucchini bake, baked chicken breast, healthy chicken recipe, lemon garlic chicken, low fat dinner
