Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a wholesome, flavorful dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts layered with fresh zucchini, cherry tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and finished with tangy crumbled feta cheese. It’s a simple yet elegant one-dish meal perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings and Extras
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash and slice the zucchinis into thin rounds and halve the cherry tomatoes. Mince the garlic finely. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them lightly with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme to infuse flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust but are not fully cooked through. This step seals in the juices and enhances flavor complexity.
- Assemble Baking Dish: Arrange half of the sliced zucchinis evenly on the bottom of a baking dish as a vegetable base. Place the seared chicken breasts on top. Scatter the remaining zucchini slices and halved cherry tomatoes around and over the chicken. Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly across the ingredients.
- Add Seasonings and Bake: Drizzle additional olive oil and fresh lemon juice over all the ingredients. Season with the remaining oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- Finish with Feta: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese generously over the top. Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes so the feta softens and slightly melts into the warm ingredients. Serve the bake warm for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Notes
- You can substitute dried oregano and thyme with fresh herbs if available for a brighter flavor.
- Ensure the chicken breasts are uniform in thickness for even cooking.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of whole grain couscous or a mixed green salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the feta or use a vegan cheese alternative.
