One-Pan Chicken, Tender Vegetables & Creamy Feta

A simple Mediterranean-inspired dinner with juicy seasoned chicken, roasted zucchini and tomatoes, and creamy, salty feta. Everything cooks together in one pan for an easy weeknight meal.

🛒 Ingredients

Serves 4

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 medium zucchini, sliced into thick half-moons
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 1 small red onion, cut into wedges
  • 4 oz (115 g) feta cheese, crumbled
  • 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil, optional

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat the oven
Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish.

2. Season the chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine:

  • 1½ tbsp olive oil
  • garlic
  • oregano
  • Italian seasoning
  • smoked paprika
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • red pepper flakes

Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken.

3. Prepare the vegetables
Place the zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onion in the baking dish. Toss with the remaining 1½ tbsp olive oil, a small pinch of salt, and pepper.

Spread the vegetables into an even layer.

4. Add the chicken
Nestle the seasoned chicken pieces among the vegetables. Try not to overcrowd the pan so everything can roast rather than steam.

5. Bake
Bake uncovered for approximately 20–28 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken.

The chicken is done when the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer.

6. Add the feta
Remove the pan from the oven and scatter the feta over the chicken and vegetables.

Return to the oven for another 3–5 minutes, just until the feta is warmed and slightly softened. For more browned feta, use the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.

7. Finish with lemon and herbs
Drizzle the lemon juice over everything and sprinkle with lemon zest, parsley, and basil.

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🍋 Serving Suggestions

Serve it as-is for a naturally lower-carb meal, or pair it with:

  • Cauliflower rice
  • Quinoa
  • Brown rice
  • Warm pita bread
  • Couscous
  • A simple cucumber salad

⭐ Tips for Juicy Chicken

  • Don’t overcook the chicken. Use a thermometer rather than relying only on cooking time.
  • Chicken thighs are especially forgiving and stay juicy.
  • Cut zucchini fairly thick so it doesn’t become mushy.
  • If using very large chicken breasts, slice them horizontally or pound them to an even thickness.
  • Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute.

Flavor upgrade: Add a handful of Kalamata olives and a few thin slices of lemon to the pan before roasting for an even stronger Mediterranean flavor.