Mediterranean Chicken Bake Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and brings a little sunshine to your dinner table, the Mediterranean Chicken Bake is your new best friend. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with the freshest vegetables like zucchini, artichokes, and cherry tomatoes, all kissed by a luscious balsamic garlic drizzle and topped with tangy feta cheese. It’s an effortless way to enjoy a wholesome, colorful meal that feels both comforting and fresh, perfect for sharing any day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Mediterranean Chicken Bake plays a crucial role, creating a harmony of taste, texture, and color. From the juicy chicken to the crisp zucchini and creamy feta, each element is simple but essential in crafting the overall magic of the dish.
- 20 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast: Pound thin or use thin-sliced breasts to ensure quick, even cooking and juicy results.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): The basic seasonings that enhance every bite and bring out the natural flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds a fragrant blend of herbs, echoing the Mediterranean vibe.
- 14 ounce quartered artichoke hearts (drained and chopped): Offers a tender, slightly tangy texture that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 1 large zucchini (sliced and quartered): Adds a subtle sweetness and a pleasing crunch when baked.
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved): Bursting with juice and vibrant color, they create lovely pops of freshness.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: A heart-healthy fat that ties all the ingredients together and adds richness.
- 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar: Imparts a tangy sweetness that deepens the dish’s flavor profile.
- 2-3 garlic cloves (pressed or minced): Garlic infuses the bake with its signature savory aroma and taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the acidity and enhances the natural sweetness of the veggies.
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled): The crowning touch, feta sprinkles on a creamy, salty finish that makes every bite memorable.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Bake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, setting the scene for a perfectly cooked bake. Next, place your thin chicken breasts into a large baking dish or sheet pan, and don’t forget to line it with foil if you want an easy cleanup. Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, allowing these simple flavors to anchor your Mediterranean Chicken Bake.
Step 2: Arrange the Vegetables
Now, it’s time to get colorful. Layer the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped artichoke hearts, and sliced zucchini on and around your chicken. Be sure to pile more artichokes directly on top, letting their delicate flavor seep into the chicken as it cooks. Spreading everything out mostly in a single layer ensures even cooking and beautiful roasting.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing and Drizzle
Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and that half teaspoon of salt to create a mouthwatering dressing. Pour this fragrant mixture evenly over the chicken and veggies, bathing them in a savory, tangy glaze that will caramelize gently in the oven.
Step 4: Bake Until Perfect
Pop the dish into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until your chicken has lost all pinkness and its internal temperature reaches 165°F. This step is critical for juicy, safe-to-eat chicken, as well as perfectly roasted vegetables.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch
Once your Mediterranean Chicken Bake comes out of the oven, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese generously over the top. The warm chicken will slightly soften the cheese, creating a creamy, salty highlight that pulls the whole dish together like a delicious little bow.
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Garnishes
A simple garnish can turn a good dish into a great one. Try adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil over your Mediterranean Chicken Bake to introduce vibrant color and a hint of herbaceous brightness. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also amplify the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
While the Mediterranean Chicken Bake is wonderfully satisfying on its own, pairing it with some warm, fluffy couscous or a crisp green salad takes the meal to the next level. Roasted potatoes or a side of garlic bread also complement the dish’s rustic charm without overpowering the delicate balance of flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Presenting your Mediterranean Chicken Bake in an attractive ceramic or rustic cast iron dish enhances the visual appeal and keeps everything warm at the table. For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins layered with the chicken and veggies, topped with crumbled feta, perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Mediterranean Chicken Bake, wrap any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The leftovers will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days—perfect for quick lunches or dinner on a busy night.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish around longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container once completely cooled. It’s best consumed within two months for optimum flavor and texture. To freeze properly, avoid adding the feta cheese beforehand; add it fresh after reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw if frozen, then warm the Mediterranean Chicken Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Reheating gently preserves the succulent chicken and keeps the vegetables pleasantly tender. Add fresh feta on top after warming for that perfect finishing touch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Mediterranean Chicken Bake, offering a bit more juiciness and richness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, the Mediterranean Chicken Bake is naturally gluten-free as long as you use fresh ingredients and pure olive oil and vinegar without additives. Just double-check any seasoning blends to be certain.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and bake later?
Yes, you can assemble the chicken and vegetables in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight. When ready to cook, simply bring it to room temperature and bake as directed.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta or need a dairy-free option, goat cheese or vegan cheese alternatives can provide a similar tangy, creamy finish. Use them sparingly to maintain balance.
How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should be 165°F. The chicken should also appear opaque with no pink in the center, and the juices should run clear.
Final Thoughts
Making this Mediterranean Chicken Bake is like inviting the spirit of the Mediterranean right into your kitchen—it’s colorful, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. I hope you give this recipe a try soon, whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, because it truly feels like a warm hug on a plate. Enjoy every delicious bite!
PrintMediterranean Chicken Bake Recipe
This Mediterranean Chicken Bake is a flavorful and healthy one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts baked with vibrant zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and artichoke hearts, all drizzled with a garlicky balsamic olive oil dressing and finished with a sprinkle of tangy feta cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that bursts with Mediterranean flavors and nutrients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Chicken
- 20 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast (pounded thin or thin-sliced for quicker cooking)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Vegetables
- 14 ounce quartered artichoke hearts (drained and chopped)
- 1 large zucchini (sliced and quartered)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2–3 garlic cloves (pressed or minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large baking dish or sheet pan. You may line the pan with foil for easier clean-up. Season the chicken well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse flavor.
- Arrange Vegetables: Layer the quartered cherry tomatoes, chopped artichoke hearts, and sliced zucchini both on top of and around the chicken. Focus on placing more artichokes directly on the chicken so their flavor penetrates the meat. Spread everything out in mostly a single layer for even cooking.
- Mix and Pour Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, and salt. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables to enhance taste and ensure moistness.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, no longer pink inside, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Add Feta and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top. Serve warm and enjoy the Mediterranean goodness.
Notes
- For faster cooking, use thinly sliced chicken breasts or pound the chicken to an even thickness.
- If you prefer a more intense balsamic flavor, use a balsamic glaze instead of regular vinegar.
- To add some heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the dish before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with a side of couscous, quinoa, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 470 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken bake, baked chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner, chicken with vegetables, feta chicken bake