A comforting, high-protein baked chicken dish loaded with colorful vegetables, creamy garlic sauce, feta, and Mediterranean herbs. Everything comes together in one baking dish for an easy family dinner.
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 55–60 minutes
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
Chicken & Vegetables
1½ lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ medium red onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Creamy Mediterranean Sauce
4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup (120 g) plain Greek yogurt
½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping
½ cup (75 g) crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon fresh dill, optional
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl.
Add:
Olive oil
Oregano
Italian seasoning
Paprika
Salt
Black pepper
Red pepper flakes
Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
3. Prepare the Vegetables
Add the:
Zucchini
Bell pepper
Cherry tomatoes
Red onion
Garlic
Kalamata olives
to the baking dish.
Spread them into an even layer.
Place the seasoned chicken pieces over the vegetables.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together:
Softened cream cheese
Greek yogurt
Chicken broth
Parmesan
Lemon juice
Lemon zest
Oregano
Garlic powder
Black pepper
Whisk until smooth.
If the cream cheese is difficult to incorporate, allow it to soften at room temperature for 10–15 minutes first.
5. Add the Sauce
Pour the creamy Mediterranean sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
Gently toss everything together so the sauce coats the ingredients.
Spread everything into an even layer.
6. Bake
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and gently stir or redistribute the ingredients.
Continue baking uncovered for another 12–18 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are tender.
7. Add the Cheese
Remove the dish from the oven.
Sprinkle evenly with:
Feta cheese
Parmesan
Return to the oven for 3–5 minutes, until the cheese is warm and lightly golden.
For a more browned top, use the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.
8. Rest
Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes.
This gives the creamy sauce time to thicken slightly.
9. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and dill.
Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving, based on 6 servings:
Calories: 390–430 kcal
Protein: 42–46 g
Total Carbohydrates: 12–15 g
Fiber: 3–4 g
Net Carbohydrates: 9–12 g
Fat: 20–23 g
Saturated Fat: 8–10 g
Sugar: 6–8 g
Sodium: 850–1,050 mg
Nutrition will vary depending on the chicken, feta, olives, broth, and dairy products used.
Nut & Allergen Information
Tree Nuts
No tree nuts are included in the basic recipe.
Peanuts
No peanuts.
Dairy
Contains dairy from:
Cream cheese
Greek yogurt
Parmesan
Feta
Eggs
Egg-free as written.
Gluten
The basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check chicken broth, seasonings, and packaged cheeses for gluten-containing additives.
Soy
No soy is intentionally included.
Sesame
No sesame is included.
Fish
No fish.
Shellfish
No shellfish.
Coconut
No coconut.
Allergy note: For severe allergies, check packaged ingredients for cross-contact and “may contain” warnings.
How to Make It Higher Protein
This recipe is already high in protein.
For an even higher-protein version:
Use 2 lb chicken breast.
Use high-protein Greek yogurt.
Add ½ cup cottage cheese to the sauce.
Serve with a side of Greek yogurt tzatziki.
For a lower-fat high-protein version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt.
How to Make It Lower-Carb
This recipe is already relatively low in carbohydrates.
For an even lower-carb version:
Reduce the cherry tomatoes slightly.
Omit any added grains or bread.
Serve with cauliflower rice or a green salad.
Use a low-carb chicken broth.
Mediterranean Variations
Spinach & Feta
Add 2–3 cups fresh baby spinach during the last 5–10 minutes of baking.
Mushroom & Chicken
Add 8 oz sliced mushrooms with the other vegetables.
Artichoke Chicken
Add 1 cup drained quartered artichoke hearts.
Sun-Dried Tomato
Add â…“ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense Mediterranean flavor.
Greek-Style
Add:
Extra oregano
Cucumber salad on the side
Tzatziki
Extra feta
Fresh dill
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and stay very juicy.
They may require slightly different cooking time depending on the size of the pieces.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Fresh vegetables are preferable, but frozen vegetables can be used.
Thaw and drain them thoroughly first to prevent excess liquid.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
Zucchini and tomatoes release water while cooking.
To reduce excess moisture:
Don’t overcrowd the dish.
Don’t use overly large zucchini.
Pat vegetables dry before baking.
Drain olives thoroughly.
Avoid adding extra broth beyond the recipe amount.
Can I use milk instead of chicken broth?
Yes, but chicken broth adds more savory flavor. You can use half milk and half broth for a creamier sauce.
Can I use sour cream instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes. Sour cream works well and produces a richer sauce.
Can I use mozzarella instead of feta?
Yes, although feta provides the characteristic salty Mediterranean flavor.
You can use a combination of mozzarella and feta.
Can I add pasta?
Yes. Stir in approximately 2–3 cups cooked pasta after baking, or serve the chicken and vegetables over cooked orzo.
Can I serve it with rice?
Absolutely. It pairs especially well with:
Brown rice
Basmati rice
Quinoa
Cauliflower rice
Lemon herb rice
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Because the dish starts cold, it may require an additional 5–10 minutes of cooking time.
How long do leftovers last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, but creamy sauces can sometimes separate slightly after freezing.
For best quality, freeze portions in airtight freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
How should I reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Add a small splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I make this in a skillet?
Yes. Cook the chicken and vegetables in a large oven-safe skillet, add the creamy sauce, top with feta and Parmesan, and finish in the oven.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
It can fit a keto-style meal plan because it is relatively low in carbohydrates. However, check the labels of broth, yogurt, and cream cheese and keep your portion size in mind.
Recipe Tips
Cut chicken into similar-sized pieces so everything cooks evenly.
Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the creamiest sauce.
Don’t overbake the chicken.
Drain olives well.
Use fresh lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
Add feta near the end so it stays creamy rather than disappearing into the sauce.
Let the casserole rest for several minutes before serving.
Best Serving Idea
Serve this Creamy Mediterranean Chicken & Veggie Bake with warm lemon-herb rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Finish with fresh parsley, dill, crumbled feta, and a squeeze of lemon for a bright Mediterranean-style dinner.
With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.
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