Recipe Information
– Preparation Time: 15 minutes
– Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes
– Total Time: 50 minutes
– Servings: 4
– Difficulty: Easy
– Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients
For the Chicken
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 600 g)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– ½ teaspoon paprika
– ½ teaspoon dried oregano
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ¾ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Vegetables
– 2 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds
– 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– ½ red onion, sliced
– 1 small red bell pepper, chopped (optional)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
For the Sauce
– ½ cup chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Optional Cheese Topping
– ½ cup shredded mozzarella
– ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat chicken breasts dry using paper towels.
3. Place chicken in a mixing bowl.
4. Add olive oil and lemon juice.
5. Add minced garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, oregano, black pepper, salt and onion powder.
6. Rub the seasoning evenly over all sides.
7. Let the chicken marinate for 10–15 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
1. Wash the zucchini thoroughly.
2. Cut zucchini into medium-thick rounds.
3. Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes.
4. Slice the red onion.
5. Chop the bell pepper if using.
6. Place all vegetables in a large bowl.
7. Add olive oil, Italian seasoning and black pepper.
8. Toss gently until evenly coated.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
1. Take a small mixing bowl.
2. Add chicken broth.
3. Mix in tomato paste.
4. Add balsamic vinegar.
5. Add garlic powder and dried oregano.
6. Whisk everything until smooth.
7. Set aside.
Step 4: Arrange Everything in the Baking Dish
1. Lightly grease a large baking dish with olive oil.
2. Arrange seasoned chicken breasts in the center.
3. Distribute zucchini slices around the chicken.
4. Add cherry tomatoes.
5. Add sliced red onion and bell peppers.
6. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
7. Make sure the vegetables are spread evenly for consistent cooking.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
2. Bake uncovered for approximately 25–35 minutes, depending on chicken thickness.
3. Halfway through cooking, spoon some of the sauce over the chicken.
4. Check that the thickest part of each chicken breast reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. The zucchini should be tender and the tomatoes should become soft and juicy.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
1. Remove the baking dish from the oven.
2. Sprinkle mozzarella over the chicken if desired.
3. Add grated Parmesan.
4. Return the dish to the oven for another 3–5 minutes.
5. Allow the cheese to melt and become lightly golden.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
1. Remove the dish from the oven.
2. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes.
3. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top.
4. Spoon the delicious tomato and herb sauce over the chicken.
5. Serve warm with your favorite side dish.
Nutrition Information
Estimated per serving, based on 4 servings with optional cheese excluded.
Nutrient Amount
Calories 340 kcal
Protein 43 g
Carbohydrates 13 g
Total Fat 12 g
Saturated Fat 2 g
Fiber 3 g
Sugar 7 g
Sodium 590 mg
Cholesterol 105 mg
Nut Information (Q/S)
Nut Type Amount
Almonds 0 g
Walnuts 0 g
Cashews 0 g
Pecans 0 g
Peanuts 0 g
Pistachios 0 g
Hazelnuts 0 g
No nuts intentionally added
Allergy Information: This recipe contains dairy if cheese is added. Check packaged ingredients for possible nut cross-contact.
Helpful Cooking Tips
1. Juicier chicken: Choose chicken breasts of similar thickness.
2. Better flavor: Marinate chicken for 30 minutes if time allows.
3. Avoid watery vegetables: Do not slice zucchini too thinly.
4. Extra roasted flavor: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.
5. More Mediterranean flavor: Add olives or sun-dried tomatoes.
6. Extra creamy: Add a little cream cheese or heavy cream to the sauce.
7. Fresh herbs: Add basil just before serving for maximum flavor.
Storage Instructions
– Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
– Reheat in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until thoroughly hot.
– Microwave individual portions as needed.
– Freeze cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months for best quality.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious baked chicken with:
– Steamed white rice
– Garlic butter pasta
– Mashed potatoes
– Roasted broccoli
– Garlic bread
– Quinoa
– Fresh green salad
Final Result
Tender, juicy chicken breasts surrounded by beautifully roasted zucchini and sweet cherry tomatoes, all coated in a delicious garlic, tomato and Italian herb sauce.
This colorful, healthy and flavorful meal is perfect for family dinners, meal preparation and special occasions. Enjoy every delicious bite!