Chicken Zucchini Bake

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Chicken Zucchini Bake

Juicy • Colorful • Healthy One-Pan Meal

Description

Chicken Zucchini Bake is a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender baked chicken breasts surrounded by vibrant vegetables, herbs, and tangy feta cheese. Everything bakes together in one dish, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully while keeping the chicken juicy and the vegetables perfectly tender. It’s simple, nutritious, and ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 2 cups zucchini, sliced
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup red bell pepper, sliced
  • ½ cup red onion, sliced
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a large baking dish.
  2. Prepare vegetables
    In a large bowl, combine zucchini, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss well.
  3. Assemble dish
    Spread vegetables evenly in the baking dish. Nestle chicken breasts among the vegetables.
  4. Season chicken
    Drizzle remaining oil over chicken and season with salt and pepper.
  5. Bake
    Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  6. Add feta
    Remove foil, sprinkle feta cheese over the dish, and return to oven uncovered.
  7. Finish baking
    Bake another 10–15 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
  8. Garnish & serve
    Sprinkle with fresh parsley and basil before serving.

Chef’s Notes

  • Covering initially keeps the chicken moist.
  • Feta adds saltiness—taste before adding extra salt.
  • Use similar-sized chicken breasts for even cooking.

Tips for Best Results

  • Pound thick chicken breasts slightly for uniform cooking.
  • For extra browning, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
  • Let the dish rest 5 minutes before serving to retain juices.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with quinoa, rice, or crusty bread
  • Pair with a simple green salad
  • Great for meal prep and leftovers

Health Benefits

  • 🍗 High in lean protein for muscle support
  • 🥒 Zucchini & vegetables provide fiber and antioxidants
  • 🫒 Olive oil supports heart health
  • 🌿 Fresh herbs add flavor without extra sodium

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