Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake (Print Version)
Mediterranean chicken zucchini bake packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and bold herbs. A simple, satisfying one-pan dinner ready in under an hour.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 40 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Dietary: Gluten-Free, Halal, Diabetic-Friendly, Low-Calorie
# Ingredients:
→ Herb-Marinated Chicken
01 -
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into 1-inch strips
02 -
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
03 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
1 tsp dried oregano
05 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
06 -
1/2 tsp ground cumin
07 -
Salt and pepper to taste
→ Garden Vegetable Layer
08 -
3 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
09 -
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
10 -
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
11 -
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
→ Creamy Feta Blanket
12 -
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
13 -
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or full fat)
14 -
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
→ Golden Finish
15 -
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
16 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
17 -
1 tsp dried thyme
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a drizzle of the extra virgin olive oil. This High Protein Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake comes together quickly, so having your dish ready before you start saves valuable prep time.
02 -
In a large bowl, combine 2 lbs chicken breast strips with 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss thoroughly until every strip is evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 5 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
03 -
Arrange 3 medium zucchini rounds in an even layer across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Scatter 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 red onion thinly sliced, and 1/2 cup halved Kalamata olives evenly over the zucchini. This colorful Garden Vegetable Layer forms the flavorful base of your High Protein Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake.
04 -
Arrange the marinated chicken strips in a single layer directly on top of the vegetable bed, distributing them evenly so every serving gets a generous portion. Spreading the chicken flat ensures even cooking throughout and prevents the vegetables underneath from becoming overly soggy during baking.
05 -
In a small bowl, stir together 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice until well combined. Spoon and spread this Creamy Feta Blanket evenly over the chicken layer. This tangy, protein-rich topping is what makes this High Protein Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake truly irresistible.
06 -
Sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tsp dried thyme evenly over the feta layer. The Parmesan will melt and create a beautifully golden, slightly crispy crust on top of your High Protein Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake, locking in moisture and adding a rich, savory depth of flavor.
07 -
Transfer the baking dish to your preheated 400°F oven and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F and the top is golden and bubbling. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil after the 25-minute mark.
08 -
Remove from the oven and let your High Protein Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake rest for 5 minutes before serving — this allows the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness. Finish with 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley scattered over the top for a bright, fresh pop of color and flavor.
# Notes:
01 -
Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2 minutes or in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore the golden top.
02 -
Substitution Tip: Chicken thighs work beautifully in place of chicken breasts for an even juicier result. You can also swap zucchini for yellow squash or eggplant if you prefer a different vegetable base.
03 -
Serving Tip: This dish pairs wonderfully with warm pita bread, a simple arugula salad, or a side of fluffy couscous to soak up the delicious Mediterranean juices from the bake.
04 -
Cooking Tip: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the fridge for up to 2 hours before assembling the dish. Pat the zucchini slices dry with a paper towel before layering to prevent excess moisture from making the bake watery.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
9x13 inch baking dish
02 -
large mixing bowl
03 -
sharp knife
04 -
cutting board
05 -
oven
06 -
measuring cups and spoons
07 -
citrus juicer
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 480 kcal
Total Fat: 24 g
Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
Protein: 54 g