High Protein Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed
• 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Feta cheese, crumbled (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create a marinade. Mix well until the spices are evenly distributed.
3. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Massage the marinade into the chicken for maximum flavor absorption. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to an hour for more flavor).
4. While the chicken is marinating, prepare your vegetables. In a large baking dish, combine the sliced zucchini, red bell pepper, onion, cherry tomatoes, green beans, and Kalamata olives. Toss the vegetables lightly in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Place the marinated chicken breasts on top of the vegetable mixture. Ensure the chicken is evenly spaced and nestled among the vegetables.
6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
7. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C) and the vegetables are tender.
8. Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese, if desired. Serve warm.