Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to take your taste buds on a sun-soaked journey along the Mediterranean coast? ☀️🍋 Today, we’re making a Mediterranean Chicken dish that’s bursting with flavor, color, and wholesome goodness. 🌿🍗
This recipe captures everything beautiful about Mediterranean cooking — fresh herbs, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and tender chicken infused with olive oil and lemon. It’s rustic yet vibrant, simple yet deeply satisfying. Originating from the sunny shores of southern Europe, this style of cooking celebrates the joy of gathering around the table and sharing a wholesome meal made from the heart. ❤️
Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners, this Mediterranean Chicken is baked to perfection in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. The combination of herbs, garlic, and olive oil fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that will make everyone ask, “What’s cooking?” Ready to bring a taste of the sea and sunshine into your home? Let’s get started! 🌊✨
Ingredients:
For the main dish:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Optional sides:
- Cooked couscous, quinoa, or rice
- Warm pita bread for serving
Step-by-Step Directions:
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
2️⃣ Marinate the chicken. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
3️⃣ Assemble the dish. Arrange the marinated chicken in the baking dish. Scatter cherry tomatoes, olives, and red onion around the chicken.
4️⃣ Bake to perfection. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
5️⃣ Add the finishing touch. Sprinkle crumbled feta over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking so it gets slightly melty and golden.
6️⃣ Garnish and serve. Once done, let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve with couscous, rice, or warm pita. 🌿
Nutritional Information:
⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Baking Time: 30 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 45 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~410 kcal
🍽️ Servings: 4
This dish is high in protein, heart-healthy fats, and full of antioxidants from olives and tomatoes. It’s a perfect balance of flavor and nutrition — a Mediterranean masterpiece that feeds your body and soul. 💪💛
#mediterraneanchicken #healthyrecipes #greekflavors #onepandinner #easyfamilymeals
Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️
