Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Bake is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts baked with zucchini, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, and a delicious blend of feta and mozzarella cheeses. Perfect for a healthy weeknight meal, it combines fresh vegetables and herbs with classic Mediterranean flavors for a vibrant and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lbs. chicken breast (boneless and skinless, about 2 chicken breasts)
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (divided)
Vegetables and Toppings
- 1 zucchini (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
- 1/2 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 1/3 cup kalamata olives (pitted)
- 1/2 cup jarred roasted red peppers (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (grated)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Season the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner pieces. Place them in a medium bowl, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and season with garlic powder, dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the seasoned chicken pieces to a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Arrange the thinly sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, diced onion, roasted red peppers, and kalamata olives over the chicken. Season again with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, then drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the top.
- Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle the crumbled feta and grated mozzarella cheeses evenly over the assembled ingredients.
- Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. Bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F as checked with an instant-read thermometer.
- Broil for Browning: If desired, switch the oven setting to broil and broil the chicken bake for 2 to 3 minutes to brown and slightly crisp the cheese topping.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the chicken bake to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a final touch.
Notes
- Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked (minimum 165°F).
- You can substitute mozzarella with provolone or parmesan if preferred.
- Serve this dish with a side of warm crusty bread or over a bed of cooked quinoa or rice for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to add other Mediterranean vegetables like artichokes or eggplant to customize the bake.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
