Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake

This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake brings together the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean in one simple dish. Tender chicken breasts nestled among roasted zucchini, cherry tomatoes, olives, and topped with tangy feta create a colorful meal that's as nutritious as it is delicious. The herbs and spices infuse everything with classic Mediterranean aromas that will transport you straight to a seaside taverna.

I first created this dish during a particularly busy week when I needed something that would impress dinner guests without keeping me in the kitchen all day. The combination of colors and aromas had everyone asking for the recipe before they'd even finished their plates. Now it's my go to solution for entertaining without stress.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts. Opt for even sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate. Free range chicken typically offers better flavor.
• Zucchini. Look for firm medium sized zucchini with glossy skin for the best texture and flavor in the finished dish.
• Olive oil. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the Mediterranean flavors throughout the dish.
• Dried oregano. This classic herb provides authentic Greek flavor that defines Mediterranean cuisine.
• Dried basil. Adds a sweet aromatic note that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
• Garlic powder. Provides a mellow garlic flavor throughout the dish without burning like fresh garlic might.
• Cherry tomatoes. Choose ripe bright colored tomatoes for the sweetest flavor contrast to the savory chicken.
• Black olives. These provide a distinctive briny flavor that's essential to Mediterranean cooking.
• Sun dried tomatoes. Their intense concentrated flavor adds depth to the entire dish.
• Crumbled feta cheese. Traditional Greek feta made from sheep's milk offers the most authentic tangy flavor.
• Fresh parsley. Brightens the finished dish with color and a fresh herbal note.

How To Make Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake

Season the chicken

Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt and pepper, rubbing the seasonings into both sides. This step builds the flavor foundation for the entire dish, so be generous with your seasonings.

Prepare the vegetables

Slice zucchini into even rounds about 1/4 inch thick. Halve the cherry tomatoes and prepare the olives and sun dried tomatoes. Arranging all ingredients in separate bowls makes assembly quick and efficient.

Assemble the bake

Arrange the seasoned chicken in the center of your baking dish with space between each piece. Surround the chicken with the sliced zucchini, then scatter cherry tomatoes, olives, and sun dried tomatoes throughout. This arrangement allows all ingredients to roast perfectly while flavors mingle.

Bake to perfection

Place the dish in a preheated 375°F oven for 30 to 35 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally. The zucchini should be tender but not mushy. Add the crumbled feta cheese over everything and return to the oven for 5 more minutes until the cheese gets slightly golden.

Finish and serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the entire dish just before serving. The brightness of the herbs contrasts beautifully with the roasted ingredients and adds visual appeal to your presentation.

The feta cheese is truly what makes this dish special for me. I discovered this particular combination when experimenting with using up garden zucchini one summer. The way the tangy feta melts slightly while retaining its crumbly texture creates the perfect finishing touch that brings all the flavors together. My husband now requests this dish whenever we have guests to impress.

Make Ahead Options

This Mediterranean bake is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours before baking and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply remove it from the fridge about 20 minutes before baking to take the chill off. The flavors actually develop further when the ingredients have time to marinate together. If you want to prepare even further ahead, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked dish for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with several side options. For a complete Mediterranean meal, serve it alongside lemon herb couscous or garlic roasted potatoes. A simple Greek salad with cucumber, red onion, and additional feta makes a refreshing accompaniment. For a lighter option, serve it over cauliflower rice or with a side of steamed green beans drizzled with olive oil and lemon. The chicken and vegetables also taste wonderful stuffed into warm pita bread with a dollop of tzatziki sauce for a more casual presentation.

Ingredient Swaps

This recipe is incredibly flexible and forgiving. No zucchini on hand? Yellow summer squash works perfectly as a substitute. Chicken thighs can replace breasts for a more flavorful, juicier option just adjust cooking time accordingly. Not a fan of black olives? Kalamata olives provide an even more authentic Mediterranean flavor. If feta is too tangy for your taste, try mild goat cheese or even shredded mozzarella. For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. The versatility of this dish makes it adaptable to whatever ingredients you have available.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work beautifully in this dish. They typically require the same cooking time but offer more moisture and flavor. Just ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

→ What can I substitute for feta cheese?

If you're not a fan of feta, you can substitute goat cheese for a milder tangy flavor, or use mozzarella for a more melty texture. For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese entirely or add nutritional yeast for a savory element.

→ How do I prevent the zucchini from becoming soggy?

Slicing the zucchini thinly (about 1/4-inch thick) and placing the slices on paper towels before cooking helps remove excess moisture. Arranging them in a single layer rather than stacking also promotes better cooking and less sogginess.

→ Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

You can prep all components up to 24 hours ahead and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving. Alternatively, you can fully assemble the dish (without cheese) and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

→ What sides pair well with this Mediterranean chicken dish?

This dish pairs beautifully with quinoa, couscous, or orzo pasta. A simple Greek salad makes an excellent accompaniment, as does crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful juices. For a lower-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or additional roasted vegetables.

→ How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions at 70% power to prevent the chicken from drying out.