Name: Effortless Mediterranean One-Pan Chicken & Zucchini: Your Delicious Weeknight Win!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 3 large zucchinis, sliced into rounds; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 lemon, juiced and zested; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

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Effortless Mediterranean One-Pan Chicken & Zucchini: Your Delicious Weeknight Win! 🍗🥒🌿

1. Introduction

Looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner idea? This Mediterranean Chicken recipe, also known as a Zucchini Bake or a Healthy One-Pan Meal, is perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with bright Mediterranean flavors, tender chicken, and fresh zucchini, it’s a complete dish cooked in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Discover how to whip up this nutritious and satisfying meal that your whole family will love.

2. Ingredients for this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
3 large zucchinis, sliced into rounds
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

3. How to Make the Effortless Mediterranean One-Pan Chicken & Zucchini

Step 1: Prepare the marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Pour half of the marinade into a shallow dish and set aside.

Step 2: Marinate the chicken

Place the chicken breasts or thighs into the dish with the marinade and turn to coat evenly. Cover and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.

Step 3: Cook the chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large oven-safe skillet or pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade (reserving room for the other ingredients) and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté vegetables

Add a bit more olive oil if needed, then toss in the zucchini slices and cherry tomatoes. Sauté for about 5 minutes until slightly softened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine and bake

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, placing it over the vegetables. Drizzle with remaining marinade and lemon zest. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and zucchini is tender.

4. Storage Tips for Leftover Mediterranean Chicken & Zucchini

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat gently in the oven or microwave. This dish also lends itself well to meal prep for busy weekdays or a healthy lunch option.

5. Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This Healthy One-Pan Meal pairs beautifully with crusty bread, rice, or quinoa for a more filling meal. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an extra burst of flavor. For a complete Mediterranean experience, consider adding a side of hummus or a Greek-style salad.

For other quick dinner ideas, check out this Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta or the Garlic Bread Boats.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and tend to stay juicier during baking. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace the chicken with hearty vegetables or plant-based protein options like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.

How long does it take to prepare this Mediterranean Chicken dish?

Includes marinating time, the recipe takes about 40-45 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for weeknights.

What are good substitutions for zucchini?

Eggplant, bell peppers, or yellow squash are great alternatives that can be cooked similarly.

7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe

CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set: This nonstick cookware set makes sautéing and baking a breeze, ensuring easy cleanup and perfect searing every time.
Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker: Chill your drinks or dressings quickly with this versatile tool, enhancing your Mediterranean dining experience.
Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: Effortlessly chop and prepare your vegetables for a smoother cooking process.

8. Additional tips for cooking the perfect Mediterranean Chicken

Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor—dried herbs work well too but add earlier in the cooking process.
Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking for even cooking.
Adjust the spice levels by adding more red pepper flakes or fresh chili.

9. Conclusion

This Easy Mediterranean Chicken recipe exemplifies how simple ingredients can combine to create a vibrant, nutritious, and satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers a wholesome Zucchini Bake or Healthy One-Pan Meal that’s both flavorful and low fuss. Try it today and enjoy a fuss-free dinner that tastes like a Mediterranean getaway!

Effortless Mediterranean One-Pan Chicken & Zucchini: Your Delicious Weeknight Win!