Best Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Packed with juicy chicken breasts, fresh zucchini, sweet cherry tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you're in the mood for something light yet satisfying.
Equipment
- Large Baking Dish (9x13 inch)
- Cutting Board & Sharp Knife
- Mixing Bowl (Optional)
- Meat Thermometer
- Oven Mitts & Tongs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 medium fresh zucchinis, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large red onion, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prep and Layering the Bake
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a light coating of olive oil. This not only prevents sticking but adds a little richness to the base of the dish.
- Place your chicken breasts flat in the baking dish. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. I like to press the seasoning into the meat gently with my fingers to help it stick.
- Now layer on the goodness — arrange the sliced zucchini and red onion over and around the chicken. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes across the top. The mix of textures and colors already starts looking beautiful at this stage!
- Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the vegetables. Then drizzle the remaining olive oil (about 2 tablespoons) over the entire dish. This adds richness and helps everything roast up beautifully.
- Finally, finish it all off with a generous layer of crumbled feta cheese. I love how the feta melts into the veggies while still holding a bit of its tangy bite — it really ties the whole dish together.
Baking and Checking for Doneness
- Place your prepared baking dish on the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 to 35 minutes. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts and how hot your oven runs.
- About 30 minutes in, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. You're looking for a reading of 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the breast. That’s the food-safe temperature where your chicken is fully cooked but still juicy and tender.
- If you want a little extra color on top, switch the oven to broil mode for 2–3 minutes at the end. Just keep a close eye on it — broiling happens fast! This step adds a beautiful finish to the feta and caramelizes the edges of the veggies.