A Simple, Healthy One-Pan Dinner Perfect for Busy Weeknights
This delicious Mediterranean chicken and zucchini bake is a complete meal that’s easy to make and full of flavor. With tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory herbs, this nutritious dinner comes together in just one pan with minimal prep work.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 4-6 people
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Mediterranean-style baked chicken dinner is perfect when you want something healthy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The combination of lean protein from chicken and fresh vegetables makes it a balanced meal. Plus, everything cooks together in one dish, which means less cleanup for you.
The herbs and olive oil give this dish that wonderful Mediterranean taste, while the feta cheese adds a creamy, tangy finish. It’s also naturally low in carbs and high in protein, making it great for healthy eating goals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Helpful Shopping Tips
When buying chicken breasts, look for pieces that are similar in thickness so they cook evenly. For the zucchini, choose medium-sized ones that feel firm and have bright green skin. Cherry tomatoes should be plump and give slightly when pressed.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature works perfectly to cook the chicken through while keeping the vegetables tender but not mushy.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Take a 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly coat it with a little olive oil. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Step 3: Mix Everything Together
In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken pieces, sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and minced garlic. Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour the olive oil over everything and gently toss with your hands or a large spoon until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Helpful Tip: Don’t worry about making it perfect – just make sure everything gets some oil and seasoning on it.
Step 4: Bake the Dish
Spread the mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables should be tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top. Put it back in the oven for just 5 more minutes until the cheese is slightly melted and warmed through.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Take the dish out of the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for color and extra flavor. Serve while warm.
Serving Suggestions
This Mediterranean chicken bake is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with:
- Warm pita bread or crusty bread
- A simple side salad with lemon dressing
- Cooked rice or quinoa for extra heartiness
- A glass of white wine for special occasions
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a covered container.
Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the whole dish in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare this dish in the morning, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to bake in the evening.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Different Vegetables: Try bell peppers, eggplant, or yellow squash instead of zucchini
- Cheese Options: Use goat cheese or mozzarella instead of feta
- Herb Variations: Fresh herbs work great too – use about 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs for each teaspoon of dried
- Protein Swaps: This works well with chicken thighs or even firm white fish
Nutritional Benefits
This healthy Mediterranean dish provides lean protein from chicken, vitamins from fresh vegetables, and heart-healthy fats from olive oil. Zucchini is low in calories but high in vitamins A and C, while tomatoes provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your chicken seems dry: Make sure not to overcook it. Check with a meat thermometer – 165°F is perfect.
If vegetables are too watery: Pat the zucchini slices dry with paper towels before adding to the dish.
If you want more flavor: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving, or try adding some sliced olives with the other ingredients.
This easy Mediterranean chicken and zucchini bake proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious, nutritious dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
