Description
A wholesome and flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake featuring tender boneless chicken thighs roasted with zucchini, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and tangy feta cheese. This one-pan dish is seasoned with garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, and lemon juice for a vibrant, easy weeknight meal that bursts with fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1½ pounds boneless (skinless) chicken thighs
Vegetables & Olives
- 3 medium zucchini (sliced into ¼-inch rounds)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 medium red onion (thinly sliced)
- ⅓ cup kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
Cheese
- 4 oz feta cheese (crumbled, substitute dairy-free feta if preferred)
Seasonings & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the chicken and vegetables.
- Prepare the chicken and vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken thighs with olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat everything evenly. Then add the sliced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and halved kalamata olives, mixing gently to distribute the seasoning.
- Arrange in baking dish: Transfer the seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture to a large baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure proper roasting.
- Roast the dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast for about 30-35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C) and vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Add feta cheese: In the last 5 minutes of roasting, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top to soften and slightly brown.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve warm as a satisfying, Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Notes
- This one-pan Mediterranean bake is perfect for easy weeknight dinners—minimal prep but big on flavor.
- Use dairy-free feta cheese to make this dish suitable for those with lactose intolerance or following a vegan diet (if substituting chicken with plant-based alternatives).
- Suitable for meal prep: the dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheats nicely.
- Feel free to add other Mediterranean herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra aroma.
- Serve with crusty bread, rice, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
