Easy Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake – Ready in 30 Minutes

Did You Know 78% of Low-Carb Dinners Sacrifice Flavor for Health? Not This One!

Picture this: a golden, bubbling dish straight from the oven, brimming with juicy chicken, caramelized zucchini, and the sun-kissed aromas of the Mediterranean. This isn’t just another bland “diet” meal—it’s my Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake, a low-carb dinner that proves healthy eating can be downright indulgent. As someone who once believed cutting carbs meant resigning myself to dull plates, discovering this recipe felt like uncovering buried treasure in my own kitchen.

Last summer, while wandering through a farmers’ market in Santorini (yes, I’m still dreaming about those whitewashed walls and cobalt domes), I watched a grandmother layer zucchini and herbs with such care, it struck me: this is how Mediterranean cultures maintain their legendary health without sacrificing pleasure. That moment inspired me to create a weeknight-friendly version of her wisdom—one that fills your home with the scent of oregano and garlic while keeping carbs under 10g per serving.

Why This Bake Became My Weeknight Hero

Between soccer practices and work deadlines, I need dinners that check all the boxes: fast, nourishing, and capable of earning compliments from my pickiest eater (my 9-year-old, who once declared broccoli “an insult to taste buds”). Here’s what makes this Mediterranean chicken zucchini bake stand out:

• One-pan magic: From chopping to serving in under an hour, with just 15 minutes of hands-on time
• Flavor that lingers: Sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives pack an umami punch missing from most low-carb meals
• Garden-fresh flexibility: Swap zucchini for eggplant in fall, add artichokes in spring—it adapts to your harvest

But the real secret? That crispy, cheesy topping hiding beneath the surface—a little trick I learned from that Greek grandmother, who winked as she whispered “feta makes everything better.” She wasn’t wrong.

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Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake – Low-Carb Dinner

There’s something so comforting about a dish that’s both nourishing and bursting with Mediterranean flavors—especially when it’s as simple as tossing everything into a baking dish and letting the oven do the work. This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is one of those effortless, low-carb dinners that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Juicy chicken, tender zucchini, and sun-kissed tomatoes come together with herbs and feta for a meal that’s as vibrant as it is satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. If you prefer, thighs work beautifully too!
• 2 medium zucchinis – Sliced into half-moons. No need to peel—those green skins add texture and nutrients.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes – Halved. They burst with sweetness in the oven, creating little pockets of flavor.
• ½ red onion – Thinly sliced. It caramelizes slightly, balancing the dish with a touch of sweetness.
• 3 cloves garlic – Minced. Because what’s a Mediterranean dish without garlic?
• 2 tbsp olive oil – Extra virgin, if you have it. This ties everything together with its rich, fruity notes.
• 1 tsp dried oregano – A classic Mediterranean herb that brings warmth and depth.
• ½ tsp smoked paprika – Just a hint for a subtle smoky undertone.
• Salt & black pepper – To taste. Don’t be shy—seasoning is key!
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese – Salty, tangy, and utterly irresistible when slightly melted.
• Fresh parsley or basil – For garnish. A sprinkle of green makes everything feel fresher.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, grab a large mixing bowl—this is where the magic begins.

2. Toss the Chicken & Veggies: Add the chicken pieces, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and garlic to the bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to toss everything until evenly coated. (Tip: If you have time, let this sit for 10 minutes—the flavors will start mingling beautifully!)

3. Arrange in a Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (or something similar in size). Pour in the chicken and veggie mixture, spreading it out in an even layer. You want everything to cook uniformly, so avoid overcrowding.

4. First Bake: Pop the dish into the oven and let it bake for 20 minutes. The chicken will start to turn golden, and the zucchini will soften just enough while still holding its shape.

5. Add the Feta: After the initial bake, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the crumbled feta evenly over the top. This is when the dish really starts to sing—the cheese will melt slightly and mingle with the juices from the tomatoes and chicken.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake is a delicious, low-carb dinner that’s packed with fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients. With juicy chicken, tender zucchini, tangy feta, and aromatic herbs, it’s a meal that satisfies without weighing you down. Plus, it’s easy to prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ready to give it a try? Whip up this dish and let us know how it turns out in the comments below—we’d love to hear your variations or twists! And if you’re craving more healthy, flavorful dinners, check out our other Mediterranean-inspired recipes for more inspiration.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?

Absolutely! While feta adds a tangy Mediterranean flair, you can substitute it with goat cheese, ricotta salata, or even shredded mozzarella for a milder taste.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the bake, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free—just double-check any pre-packaged ingredients (like spices or broth) to ensure no hidden gluten is present.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Bell peppers, eggplant, or cherry tomatoes would all be delicious additions. Just keep an eye on the baking time if adding extra veggies.