Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake

For the Marinade:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bake:

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Marinade

Begin by preparing the marinade. In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are thoroughly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse into the chicken.

2. Preheat the Oven

While the chicken is marinating, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for baking the chicken and vegetables evenly without drying them out.

3. Prepare the Vegetables

Next, prepare the vegetables for the bake. Slice the zucchinis into rounds and place them in a large baking dish. Add the sliced red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives to the dish. Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil and sprinkle with dried thyme, dried rosemary, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss the vegetables gently to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasoning.

Please Head Over To Next Page There Still More ,

4. Assemble the Bake

Remove the marinated chicken breasts from the refrigerator and arrange them on top of the seasoned vegetables in the baking dish. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring no flavor is wasted. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the dish. The combination of these cheeses will add a delightful creamy texture and rich flavor to the bake.

5. Bake the Dish

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is fully cooked. If the vegetables or cheese start to brown too quickly, you can cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

6. Garnish and Serve

Once the Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, making it even more flavorful. Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. This vibrant herb adds a burst of color and a fresh, aromatic touch.

7. Serving Suggestions

The Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with a light couscous salad, quinoa pilaf, or crusty artisan bread to soak up the delicious juices. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the bake perfectly. For a complete Mediterranean feast, you might also add a side of hummus and pita bread.

Nutritional Information

This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving:

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 6g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 600mg

Conclusion

The Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a delightful and nutritious dish that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen. Its combination of succulent chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates a harmonious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a weeknight meal for your family, this recipe is sure to impress and delight.