Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake — Healthy, Flavorful & Easy!

This Mediterranean chicken zucchini bake is a complete one-pan meal bursting with fresh flavors! Tender chicken, crisp zucchini, and vibrant Mediterranean ingredients come together for a healthy dinner that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake

This healthy chicken zucchini bake brings the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean to your dinner table! With juicy chicken thighs, fresh zucchini, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, it’s a complete meal that practically cooks itself.

Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you want something healthy without sacrificing flavor. This one-pan dinner means minimal cleanup while delivering maximum taste!

Ingredients for Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake

For the Chicken:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2.5 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

For the Vegetables:

• 3 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium red onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved

Mediterranean Flavors:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

For Finishing:

• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• Lemon wedges for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Serves: 6

1. Preheat and prep: Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet or 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Season chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry and rub with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Mix oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Season chicken on both sides.
3. Prepare vegetables: In a large bowl, combine sliced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, minced garlic, and olives.
4. Make dressing: Whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, basil, salt, and red pepper flakes.
5. Toss vegetables: Pour dressing over vegetables and toss to coat evenly.
6. Arrange in pan: Place seasoned chicken thighs in the center of prepared pan. Arrange seasoned vegetables around and between chicken pieces.
7. Bake: Roast for 35-45 minutes until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F and vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized.
8. Finish and serve: Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with feta cheese, fresh parsley, and basil. Serve with lemon wedges.

Pro Tips for Perfect Mediterranean Bake

• Don’t overcrowd: Use a large enough pan so vegetables can caramelize
• Pat chicken dry: Ensures crispy skin
• Cut vegetables uniformly: For even cooking
• Check temperature: Use meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken
• Fresh herbs at the end: Add after baking to preserve bright flavors

Storage & Meal Prep

Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days. Reheating: Warm in 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Meal prep: Divide into containers with rice or quinoa. Freezer: Freeze without feta for up to 3 months.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this Mediterranean chicken bake with:

• Quinoa or brown rice
• Pita bread or crusty bread
• Greek salad
• Tzatziki sauce
• White wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use boneless chicken? A: Yes! Use boneless thighs or breasts, reduce cooking time to 25-30 minutes.

Q: What if my zucchini gets watery? A: Salt zucchini slices and let drain for 15 minutes before cooking, then pat dry.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free? A: Simply omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Q: How do I prevent vegetables from burning? A: Cover with foil if vegetables brown too quickly.

Nutritional Benefits

This healthy Mediterranean recipe provides:

• Lean protein from chicken
• Vitamins A & C from colorful vegetables
• Healthy fats from olive oil
• Antioxidants from tomatoes and herbs
• Fiber from vegetables

The Perfect Healthy Weeknight Dinner

This Mediterranean chicken zucchini bake proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or bland. With vibrant flavors, wholesome ingredients, and minimal prep work, it’s the kind of meal that makes eating well feel effortless. The combination of tender chicken and perfectly roasted vegetables creates a satisfying dinner that the whole family will love!