Name: Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake
Ingredients: Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe, as they cook evenly and remain tender. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor and more moisture.; Zucchini: Choose medium-sized zucchinis. You can slice them into rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference.; Olive Oil: Olive oil provides healthy fats and helps to coat the chicken and zucchini, allowing the seasonings to stick and ensuring the dish stays moist while baking.; Garlic: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic, savory flavor to the dish. You can use garlic powder if fresh garlic is unavailable, but fresh garlic offers the best flavor.; Lemon: Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the Mediterranean ingredients. The zest adds extra flavor and aroma.; Herbs (Oregano, Basil, Thyme): These Mediterranean herbs infuse the dish with their fragrant flavors, bringing out the best in the chicken and zucchini.; Cheese (Parmesan or Feta): Parmesan adds a nutty, umami flavor, while feta provides a creamy, tangy kick. You can use either or both, depending on your preference.; Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings enhance the flavor of the chicken and zucchini, ensuring that the dish is well-seasoned.

Description

Try this Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake, packed with tender chicken, zucchini, and Mediterranean herbs for a healthy, flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe, as they cook evenly and remain tender. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor and more moisture.
Zucchini: Choose medium-sized zucchinis. You can slice them into rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference.
Olive Oil: Olive oil provides healthy fats and helps to coat the chicken and zucchini, allowing the seasonings to stick and ensuring the dish stays moist while baking.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic, savory flavor to the dish. You can use garlic powder if fresh garlic is unavailable, but fresh garlic offers the best flavor.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the Mediterranean ingredients. The zest adds extra flavor and aroma.
Herbs (Oregano, Basil, Thyme): These Mediterranean herbs infuse the dish with their fragrant flavors, bringing out the best in the chicken and zucchini.
Cheese (Parmesan or Feta): Parmesan adds a nutty, umami flavor, while feta provides a creamy, tangy kick. You can use either or both, depending on your preference.
Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings enhance the flavor of the chicken and zucchini, ensuring that the dish is well-seasoned.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and half of the oregano, basil, and thyme. If desired, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
Prepare the Zucchini: Slice the zucchini into rounds or half-moons. In a mixing bowl, toss the zucchini with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and the remaining oregano, basil, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
Layer the Ingredients: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the center of the baking dish. Arrange the zucchini around the chicken in an even layer.
Bake the Dish: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you’re using cheese, sprinkle it over the chicken and zucchini during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow it to melt.
Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve the chicken with the roasted zucchini, garnishing with additional herbs or a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.