One-Pan Mediterranean Chicken & Zucchini: Your New Go-To Healthy Dinner! 🍽️🥒🌿
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal that combines vibrant flavors with minimal cleanup, look no further than this Meditteranean Chicken recipe! This Healthy One-Pan Meal features tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and aromatic herbs all cooked together in a single skillet. Perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying weekend dinner, this dish is loaded with wholesome ingredients and Mediterranean-inspired flavors that will keep you coming back for more.
2. Ingredients for Mediterranean Chicken & Zucchini Bake
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Optional: crumbled feta cheese for topping
3. How to Make Your Healthy One-Pan Meal — Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sautéing the Vegetables
Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the sliced zucchini and cherry tomatoes, cooking for 4-5 minutes until slightly softened. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Combining and Finishing
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the vegetables. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Meanwhile, sprinkle with fresh basil and optional feta cheese for extra flavor and authenticity.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Mediterranean Chicken and Zucchini
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm in a skillet until heated through. This dish also freezes well — just make sure to use a freezer-safe container and consume within 2 months for best quality.
5. Serving Suggestions for Your Healthy Mediterranean Dinner
This Meditteranean Chicken pairs beautifully with crusty bread, fluffy rice, or a side of roasted potatoes. For a complete Mediterranean experience, serve with a fresh Greek salad or a dollop of hummus. Looking to elevate your presentation? Garnish with extra basil or a drizzle of quality olive oil for a stunning, nutritious meal.
6. FAQs About Mediterranean Chicken & Healthy One-Pan Meals
Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor to your Meditteranean Chicken dish. Adjust cooking times accordingly, cooking thighs for about 10-12 minutes per side.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This Healthy One-Pan Meal is perfect for meal prep. Prepare ahead and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats well and retains its vibrant flavors.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace chicken with plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu, and add extra vegetables such as bell peppers or eggplant.
How long does it take to prepare?
The entire process takes about 30 minutes — making it an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both quick and healthy.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set – Elevate your cooking with this durable & easy-to-clean cookware set, perfect for sautéing and skillet dishes.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master – Quickly slice zucchinis and other vegetables with ease, saving you time and effort.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker – Keep your drinks chilled while you cook or enjoy a refreshing beverage alongside your meal.
Investing in quality kitchen tools can turn your cooking experience into a true pleasure, ensuring every step is smooth and enjoyable.
8. Conclusion
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this simple, nutritious, and delicious one-pan chicken and zucchini recipe. Perfect for health-conscious eaters and busy households alike, this meal combines wholesome ingredients with easy preparation. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this Healthy One-Pan Meal will become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. Try it today and enjoy a burst of Mediterranean goodness in every bite!
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One-Pan Mediterranean Chicken & Zucchini: Your New Go-To Healthy Dinner!
Enjoy a quick, healthy, and flavorful Mediterranean Chicken & Zucchini dish! This one-pan recipe combines tender chicken, fresh zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and aromatic herbs for a wholesome meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Easy to prepare and cleanup, this Mediterranean-inspired dinner is loaded with nutritious ingredients and vibrant flavors that will keep you coming back for more.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Optional: crumbled feta cheese for topping
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add sliced zucchini and cherry tomatoes, cooking 4-5 minutes until slightly tender. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Return the chicken to the skillet among the vegetables. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors. Garnish with fresh basil and feta cheese if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for juicier, more flavorful meat. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For vegetarian version, replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and add other vegetables like bell peppers or eggplant.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Healthy, High-Protein
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 350 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg