Mediterranean Chicken & Zucchini: A One-Pan Flavor Adventure

Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake: A Healthy, Flavorful One-Pan Meal

Introduction

The Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a vibrant one-pan meal that combines lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and bright Mediterranean flavors for a deliciously wholesome dinner. This satisfying bake cooks everything at once, making it a perfect solution for busy nights when you crave something healthy and flavorful without a mountain of dishes to clean up. It’s colorful, packed with nutrients, and feels like a vacation on your dinner plate.

Why Make This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake?

This dish stands out because it transforms a handful of simple ingredients into a complete, restaurant-worthy meal—all baked together to maximize flavor and convenience. Roasting chicken with zucchini, cherry tomatoes, olives, and herbs ensures every bite is bursting with juicy, savory notes while keeping cleanup minimal. The bake is high in protein, low in carbs, and naturally gluten-free, making it a crowd-pleasing fit for various dietary needs.

Building Bright Mediterranean Flavors

The magic of this recipe lies in roasted garlic, lemon zest, oregano, and a touch of feta cheese—each ingredient infusing the chicken and vegetables with classic Mediterranean flavor. Thin-sliced zucchini becomes lusciously tender, while tomatoes burst with sweetness, and olives add a briny punch. The result: A colorful, aromatic dish that feels both comforting and fresh.

How to Assemble Your One-Pan Meal

Start by tossing chicken breast pieces with olive oil, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs. Layer them atop a bed of sliced zucchini and juicy cherry tomatoes. Scatter sliced red onion, briny Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta over the top. Finish with fresh basil and a squeeze of lemon juice after baking for an unbeatable, sun-kissed finish.

Serving Suggestions for a Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake

While the bake is satisfying on its own, you can serve it over quinoa, brown rice, or a simple side of couscous to soak up the flavorful juices. Pair with a crisp green salad and a wedge of lemon for extra brightness. This dish also works great for meal prep—portion leftovers into containers for nutrient-packed lunches through the week.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 4 hearty servings, each packed with lean protein and fiber. Per serving, expect around 320-350 calories, making it an excellent option for those seeking a balanced, calorie-conscious dinner without sacrificing taste.

Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake (Recap)

With tender chicken, colorful veggies, and tangy Mediterranean toppings, this one-pan bake is your ticket to an easy, flavor-packed meal. It’s truly a weeknight staple that brings together freshness and comfort in every bite.

Ingredients

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, divided)
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Zest of 1 lemon, plus wedges for serving

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—making your grocery trip more efficient and meal planning a breeze!

CookifyAI meal planning interface

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a large oven-safe skillet.
  2. Arrange sliced zucchini evenly on the bottom of the dish. Scatter halved cherry tomatoes and sliced red onion over the zucchini.
  3. In a bowl, toss chicken breast pieces with olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, dried basil (if using fresh, reserve for garnish), red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest.
  4. Distribute the seasoned chicken evenly over the vegetables. Sprinkle sliced olives and crumbled feta on top.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the vegetables are tender.
  6. Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. If using fresh basil, sprinkle over the top before serving. Serve warm with extra lemon wedges.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is ideal for your weekly meal planning routine. Save and schedule this recipe to streamline your week, automatically generate shopping lists, and ensure you have every fresh ingredient on hand.

Planning Benefits:

– Calculates total ingredients for all planned recipes
– Organizes shopping lists by grocery store aisle
– Prevents duplicate or forgotten ingredients
– Makes meal prep fast and stress-free

Pro tip: Schedule several Mediterranean recipes for the week—CookifyAI will consolidate overlapping ingredients like olive oil, chicken, and fresh herbs so shopping becomes quick, organized, and waste-free.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

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