Easy Mediterranean Chicken, Zucchini & Tomato Bake
This one-pan Mediterranean bake features tender chicken breasts or thighs nestled among juicy cherry tomatoes, zucchini, garlic, and fragrant herbs. Baked to perfection with olive oil and lemon, this dish is light, healthy, and full of flavor. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
⏱️ Time Required:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 50–55 minutes
Ingredients:
Main:
1.5 lbs (about 4 pieces) boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried thyme or rosemary
Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional: ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese or Kalamata olives
Garnish:
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Rub this mixture over the chicken pieces.
3. Assemble the Bake:
In a large baking dish, toss the zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and garlic with the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Nestle the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the vegetables.
4. Bake:
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165°F or 74°C) and vegetables are tender.
Optionally, sprinkle with feta cheese or olives in the last 5 minutes of baking.
5. Garnish & Serve:
Top with fresh chopped basil or parsley and a squeeze of lemon before serving.
Notes & Tips:
Add crab: Serve with couscous, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up the juices.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
Make ahead: Prep everything in the baking dish and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking.
Use bone-in chicken: Just increase bake time by 10–15 minutes and cover with foil for the first half.
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQ:
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes — simply omit the feta cheese.
Q: Can I use canned tomatoes instead?
A: Fresh is better here, but you can use drained diced tomatoes in a pinch.
Q: Can I meal prep this?
A: Absolutely! Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheats well in the oven or microwave.
Nutritional Value
Calories 350 kcal
Protein 30–35 g
Carbohydrates 10–12 g
Fat 20g
Fiber 3 g
Sodium 400 mg
