Preparing the Ingredients
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare Vegetables: Slice the zucchini, red bell pepper, and red onion.
Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Assembling the Bake
Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a large baking dish with a bit of olive oil.
Layer Ingredients: Arrange the sliced zucchini, red bell pepper, and red onion in the bottom of the baking dish.
Add Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the vegetables.
Drizzle with Oil: Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and vegetables.
Add Olives and Tomatoes: Scatter the sliced Kalamata olives and chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken and vegetables.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the vegetables are tender.
Add Cheese: During the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the chicken and bake until the cheese is slightly melted.
Serving
Garnish: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Serve: Serve the Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh burst of flavor. This dish pairs well with a side of quinoa, couscous, or a simple green salad.
Tips for Success
Chicken Options: You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts if you prefer a more flavorful option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other Mediterranean vegetables like cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or bell peppers.
Make-Ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. With its combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory feta cheese, it’s a healthy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
This recipe should offer a delicious and balanced meal with Mediterranean flair, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. Enjoy!
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