Name: Mediterranean Chicken Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 20 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast (pounded thin or thin-sliced); Salt and pepper (to taste); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 14 ounce quartered artichoke hearts (drained and chopped); 1 large zucchini (sliced and quartered); 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved); 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 2-3 garlic cloves (pressed or minced); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled)

Introduction

This Mediterranean Chicken Bake is a vibrant, healthy dish packed with fresh vegetables and bold flavors. Tender chicken breasts are combined with artichokes, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, then finished with tangy feta cheese for a delicious meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any night of the week.

A white plate holds a grilled piece of chicken breast as the base layer, topped with a mixed layer of roasted vegetables including bright red tomato chunks, green zucchini slices with charred edges, and light beige artichoke hearts. The top layer features small white crumbles of feta cheese scattered unevenly over the vegetables. A silver fork rests on the upper right side of the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

20 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast (pound thin or use thin-sliced breasts for quicker cooking)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

14 ounces quartered artichoke hearts (drained and chopped)

1 large zucchini (sliced and quartered)

1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

2-3 garlic cloves (pressed or minced)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Arrange the chicken breasts in a large baking dish or sheet pan. If desired, line the dish with foil for easier cleanup. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 3: Layer the cherry tomatoes, chopped artichoke hearts, and zucchini slices on and around the chicken. Place more artichokes directly on top of the chicken to infuse flavor. Spread everything out mostly in a single layer.

Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables.

Step 5: Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. An internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) indicates doneness.

Step 6: Remove from the oven and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top. Serve warm and enjoy your Mediterranean Chicken Bake!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before baking.

Swap artichoke hearts with roasted red peppers for a different Mediterranean twist.

Add sliced olives or sun-dried tomatoes for more depth and tang.

Use fresh herbs like oregano or thyme to enhance the herbaceous notes.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Bone-in pieces will take longer to cook, so check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this Mediterranean Chicken Bake is naturally gluten-free as long as all ingredients used are verified gluten-free, particularly the Italian seasoning and balsamic vinegar.