Hello, friend! Have you ever had one of those days when you want something delicious, healthy, and super easy for dinner? That’s exactly where this Sheet Pan Mediterranean Chicken & Zucchini comes in! I absolutely adore how straightforward this recipe is. All you need is one pan, a few fresh ingredients, and some beautiful Mediterranean flavors that’ll transport you right to the sunny shores of Greece. So, let’s get started on making your new favorite dinner dish!
Nutritional Benefits of Mediterranean Ingredients
What I love about Mediterranean cooking is not just how tasty it is but also how good it is for you! This dish features chicken, a fantastic source of lean protein that helps build and repair muscles. Zucchini, on the other hand, is packed with nutrients and is low in calories, making it a great choice for those looking to eat healthy. You’ll also get a dose of healthy fats from olive oil and a bunch of antioxidants from fresh herbs and garlic. By enjoying this meal, you’re treating your body to wholesome goodness while also satisfying your taste buds!
Adaptable Variations to Experiment With
- Change the Protein: Not a fan of chicken? You can easily swap it for turkey or even shrimp! Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Different Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even asparagus—whatever you have on hand!
- Vegan Version: Replace chicken with chickpeas or firm tofu for a delicious plant-based twist!
- Spice it Up: Add some crushed red pepper flakes if you want to kick up the heat a notch!
Easy Sheet Pan Mediterranean Chicken & Zucchini Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color you like!)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Serves 4 people
- One chicken breast per person with veggies → 4 servings
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures everything cooks evenly and gives a nice roasted flavor!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together like a dressing.
- Add in the chicken breasts and vegetables—zucchini, onion, and bell pepper—and toss everything until it’s well coated in that delicious marinade!
- Spread the chicken and veggies evenly on a sheet pan. Make sure they’re not overcrowded for the best roasting results.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender. You can check if the chicken is done using a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (75°C).
- Once everything is done, garnish with fresh parsley if you want to add a pop of color and freshness!
Practical and Valuable Tips
- Feel free to prep the chicken and vegetable mixture in advance and let it marinate in the fridge for a few hours. This intensifies the flavor!
- If you’re in a hurry, you can also cube the chicken instead of using whole breasts for faster cooking.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready for round two!
Equipment Needed
Before you start cooking, gather up these handy tools:
- A large mixing bowl for marinating
- A baking sheet (a rimmed one is ideal to prevent spills)
- A sharp knife and cutting board for chopping
- A meat thermometer (optional but helpful for checking doneness)
- A spatula or tongs for flipping and serving
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen chicken? While it’s best to use fresh chicken for even cooking, you can thaw frozen chicken first and then follow the recipe as usual.
- What other vegetables work well? You can get creative! Broccoli, asparagus, or cauliflower would also be delicious additions.
- How can I make this dish more filling? Serve with a side of cooked quinoa or brown rice to make it a heartier meal.
- Can I bake this dish in a casserole dish instead? Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the accessories.
- What if I don’t have olive oil? You can use any neutral oil like avocado or sunflower oil if needed.
I hope you enjoy making this easy, healthy Sheet Pan Mediterranean Chicken & Zucchini! It’s one of those meals that brings a little sunshine to your dinner table. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Share your delicious photos or come find me on Pinterest for more yummy meal ideas!
