The Art of Ultimate Mediterranean Chicken and Zucchini Bake Perfection

Perfect Chicken Searing Mastery

Master the technique of properly searing chicken to develop deep flavor before baking process.

Vegetable Layering Excellence

Learn the skill of arranging vegetables for optimal cooking and beautiful presentation results.

Flavor Building Perfection

Perfect the method of building Mediterranean flavors through proper seasoning and ingredient timing.

Moisture Management Technique

Master the art of maintaining proper moisture levels throughout the baking process.

Finishing and Presentation Strategy

Learn optimal techniques for adding final touches that enhance both flavor and visual appeal.

Mediterranean Baking Mastery Secrets for Perfect Chicken and Vegetable Combination

Chicken Choice: Use thighs instead of breasts for more flavor and moisture during longer baking time.

Zucchini Prep: Don't salt zucchini beforehand - the natural moisture helps create delicious pan sauce.

Cheese Timing: Add feta in final 15 minutes to prevent over-browning while achieving golden color.

Herb Freshness: Add fresh herbs after baking to preserve bright color and maximum flavor impact.

Liquid Balance: If dish seems dry during baking, add more chicken broth to prevent burning.

Resting Period: Let baked dish rest 5 minutes before serving for best texture and flavor distribution.

Mediterranean Chicken and Zucchini Bake with Feta, Olives and Fresh Herbs

Name: Mediterranean Chicken and Zucchini Bake with Feta, Olives and Fresh Herbs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: For the Chicken Foundation:; 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; For the Vegetable Base:; 4 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons; 1 large red onion, sliced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped; For the Mediterranean Flavors:; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted; 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; For the Cheese and Herbs:; 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh oregano; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; For the Aromatic Enhancement:; Zest of 1 lemon; 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; For the Cooking Liquid:; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup white wine (optional); 2 tablespoons tomato paste

The ultimate Mediterranean comfort dish featuring tender chicken, fresh zucchini, creamy feta cheese, and aromatic herbs baked to golden perfection. This gourmet healthy masterpiece combines the bright flavors of the Mediterranean with the hearty satisfaction of a complete one-dish meal, creating an unforgettable dinner experience that elevates simple ingredients to extraordinary heights perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or any time you crave the perfect balance of fresh, savory, and wholesome flavors.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

45 Minutes

Total Time

1H5 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Chicken Foundation:

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons dried oregano

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon salt

For the Vegetable Base:

4 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons

1 large red onion, sliced

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 yellow bell pepper, chopped

For the Mediterranean Flavors:

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted

1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

For the Cheese and Herbs:

8 oz feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh oregano

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Aromatic Enhancement:

Zest of 1 lemon

3 tablespoons lemon juice

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Cooking Liquid:

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup white wine (optional)

2 tablespoons tomato paste

For the Finishing Touches:

1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted

Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

Fresh lemon wedges

Freshly cracked black pepper

For the Seasoning Blend:

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

For Special Equipment:

Large baking dish (9x13 inch)

Aluminum foil

Meat thermometer

Large mixing bowls

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F and lightly grease large 9x13 inch baking dish.

Pat chicken thighs dry and cut into uniform 2-inch chunks for even cooking.

Toss chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, and salt.

Let seasoned chicken marinate while preparing vegetables for maximum flavor absorption.

Slice zucchini into half-moon shapes about 1/2 inch thick for optimal texture.

Cut red onion into thick slices and chop bell peppers into large chunks.

Heat remaining olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Sear seasoned chicken pieces until golden brown on all sides, about 6 minutes total.

Transfer seared chicken to prepared baking dish, leaving drippings in skillet.

Add sliced onion and bell peppers to same skillet with chicken drippings.

Sauté vegetables for 5 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.

Add minced garlic, tomato paste, and spice blend to vegetables, cooking 1 minute.

Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, white wine, and balsamic vinegar.

Bring mixture to simmer and cook 3 minutes to blend flavors together.

Pour vegetable mixture over seared chicken in baking dish, stirring gently.

Arrange zucchini slices over chicken and vegetable mixture in overlapping pattern.

Scatter Kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes evenly over entire dish.

Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes until chicken is tender.

Remove foil and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over entire surface.

Continue baking uncovered for 15 minutes until cheese is lightly golden.

Check chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with fresh herbs and lemon zest.

Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and squeeze fresh lemon juice over top.

Let rest 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Garnish with toasted pine nuts and serve with fresh lemon wedges.

Mediterranean Chicken and Zucchini Bake with Feta, Olives and Fresh Herbs

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Ultimate Mediterranean Chicken and Zucchini Bake Perfection

Mediterranean Chicken and Zucchini Bake with Feta, Olives and Fresh Herbs

Ingredients

Instructions