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- Chicken and Vegetables - 2 large chicken breasts, diced - 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 red onion, sliced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - Seasonings and Cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 tablespoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled - Optional Garnishes - Fresh basil leaves for garnish The ingredients in this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake are fresh and colorful. You start with two large chicken breasts. Dice them to bite-sized pieces for easy cooking. Next, slice three medium zucchinis into rounds. Their mild taste adds a nice texture. Add a red bell pepper, diced, for sweetness. A red onion, sliced, brings a mild bite. Mince two cloves of garlic for great flavor. Halve one cup of cherry tomatoes for a juicy pop of taste. Now, for the seasonings, you need olive oil. Just one tablespoon will help coat everything. Dried oregano adds a classic Mediterranean touch. Use one tablespoon of this herb. A teaspoon of paprika adds warmth. Sprinkle a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper for balance. Finally, don’t forget the cheese! Crumble one cup of feta cheese over the top. This adds a creamy, tangy flavor that is simply irresistible. For a finishing touch, fresh basil leaves can be added as an optional garnish. They give a lovely aroma and color to the dish. These ingredients make this bake not only tasty but also healthy. The blend of flavors and textures will surely satisfy your family. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather all your ingredients. You will need: - 2 large chicken breasts, diced - 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 red onion, sliced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 tablespoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Start by washing the zucchinis and cherry tomatoes. Dice and slice the vegetables as needed. This helps them cook evenly. When you chop the chicken, make sure the pieces are about the same size. This ensures everything cooks nicely together. In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, sliced zucchinis, red bell pepper, red onion, minced garlic, and halved cherry tomatoes. Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture. Then, sprinkle the dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken and veggies are well coated. This step adds flavor and keeps the chicken juicy while it cooks. Next, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly in a large baking dish. Bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that time, take it out and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. You want the chicken to be cooked through and the zucchini to be tender. Once finished, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a bright finish. To make your Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake great, start with the right dish. Use a large, deep baking dish. This helps the heat spread evenly. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Give each piece room to cook well. If you layer the veggies and chicken too thickly, they might steam instead of bake. Seasonings bring flavor to your dish. Feel free to tweak them to fit your taste. If you love garlic, add more minced garlic. Prefer a kick? Toss in some red pepper flakes. Remember, always taste as you go. This way, you can balance flavors perfectly. Cooking time can vary based on your oven. I suggest checking the bake at 25 minutes. Use a food thermometer to check the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safety. If your zucchini looks soft and the chicken is cooked, it’s ready. Let it rest for five minutes before serving. This helps keep the juices in. Enjoy! Pro Tips Choose Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and organic chicken for the best flavor and nutrition. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to mix and match with other vegetables like bell peppers or eggplant to suit your taste. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Let it Rest: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and juices redistribute. {{image_2}} You can easily swap the chicken for plant-based options. Use chickpeas or lentils for protein. They add a nice texture and flavor. Replace the chicken with 2 cups of your chosen beans. Keep the zucchini, peppers, and onions. These veggies provide great taste and color. You can still use feta cheese for creaminess. If you want different proteins, try turkey or shrimp. Diced turkey breast works well and cooks fast. For shrimp, add them during the last 10 minutes of baking. This keeps them juicy and tender. Both options keep the dish light and tasty. Boost flavors by adding herbs or spices. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can brighten the bake. A squeeze of lemon juice adds zing to every bite. For a kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. These changes let you customize the dish to your taste. After you enjoy your Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake, store leftovers in the fridge. Place the bake in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three days. For best taste, eat it within this time. Make sure to cool it down before sealing the container. This helps keep the moisture just right. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the bake cool completely. Then, cut it into individual portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container. This dish can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat your Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bake in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until it is warm throughout. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Just heat it in a microwave-safe bowl for about 2-3 minutes. Check to make sure it's hot enough before serving. Enjoy your tasty meal again! Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it first. I suggest placing it in the fridge overnight. If you are in a hurry, use the microwave's defrost setting. After thawing, you can chop it into pieces as the recipe says. It will cook well with the other ingredients. To add some heat, try these simple tips. You can mix in red pepper flakes before baking. Another option is to use spicy paprika instead of regular paprika. You can also try adding sliced jalapeños for a fresh kick. Adjust the spice level to fit your taste. This dish goes great with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - Quinoa salad - Garlic bread - Simple green salad - Couscous with herbs - Roasted potatoes These sides will enhance the meal and add more flavor. Enjoy your Mediterranean feast! This blog post covered the essential ingredients and step-by-step instructions for a delicious Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake. You learned how to prep your chicken and veggies, plus tips to enhance flavor and texture. We also explored tasty variations, storage advice, and answered common questions. Keep these insights in mind for a tasty dish that you can enjoy. Have fun experimenting with ingredients and make this recipe your own!

Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake

A delicious and healthy bake featuring chicken, zucchini, and feta cheese, perfect for a family meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large chicken breasts, diced
  • 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
  • 1 each red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 each red onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • to taste fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, sliced zucchinis, red bell pepper, red onion, minced garlic, and halved cherry tomatoes.
  • Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and sprinkle with the dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the vegetables and chicken are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
  • Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly in a large baking dish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  • After 25 minutes, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the bake.
  • Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the zucchini is tender.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

Let the dish rest before serving for better flavor.
Keyword bake, Chicken, feta, healthy, zucchini