If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and wholesome goodness, this Mediterranean Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Tender, juicy chicken breasts soak up a heavenly marinade of olive oil, fresh lemon, and fragrant herbs, then bake alongside sweet cherry tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, and crisp red onions. Topped off with tangy feta and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, every bite feels like a sunny Mediterranean escape. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing friends, this dish delivers a delightful balance of taste, texture, and nutrition that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to making this Mediterranean Chicken Recipe shine. Each component brings its own special touch: from the rich olive oil that keeps the chicken moist to the sharp feta cheese that adds a creamy finish, these ingredients are essential to capturing the authentic Mediterranean vibe.
- 1 and 1 half pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose even-sized breasts for uniform cooking and juicy results.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: This heart-healthy oil forms the base of the marinade and keeps the chicken tender.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Adds bright acidity that balances the richness perfectly.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant punch that elevates every bite.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings an earthy, aromatic Mediterranean flair.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Gives a sweet, herbaceous note to the dish.
- 1 half teaspoon paprika: Adds subtle warmth and a lovely color.
- 1 half teaspoon ground cumin: Offers a gentle smoky depth that complements the herbs.
- Salt to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper to taste: Adds just the right amount of spice.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursting with sweet juiciness and color.
- 1 half cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced: Brings a salty, savory bite that is signature to Mediterranean dishes.
- 1 half cup crumbled feta cheese: A tangy, creamy topping that melts slightly for extra flavor.
- 1 quarter cup red onion, thinly sliced: Adds crunchy texture and mild sharpness.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Freshens up the dish with a herbal brightness at the end.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Marinade
First, preheat your oven to 400°F so it’s nice and hot when the chicken goes in. Then, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, oregano, basil, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This marinade is the flavor powerhouse that will soak into every bite of the chicken.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the marinade over them. Take time to turn the chicken so each piece is evenly coated—this ensures every mouthful is juicy and flavorful.
Step 3: Add the Veggies and Bake
Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, and thinly sliced red onions around the chicken in the dish. These vegetables will roast to tender, caramelized goodness alongside the chicken. Pop the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is perfectly cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 4: Finish with Feta
Once the chicken is cooked, remove the dish briefly from the oven and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top. Return to the oven for another 3 to 5 minutes—this step softens the feta just enough while keeping its tangy kick intact.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken and vegetables. This last touch adds a lively color and herbaceous finish that brings the whole Mediterranean Chicken Recipe together beautifully.
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley is the classic garnish for the Mediterranean Chicken Recipe, but feel free to add a squeeze of extra lemon juice or a handful of chopped fresh basil to brighten it even more. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil on top just before serving can also elevate the dish’s aroma and flavor.
Side Dishes
This meal pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice, nutty quinoa, or rustic roasted potatoes that soak up the delicious juices. A crisp Greek salad or steamed greens work beautifully as well to keep the meal light and balanced, adding a refreshing crunch and extra veggies to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or a special occasion, consider serving this Mediterranean Chicken Recipe on a large platter surrounded by grilled pita triangles or crusty bread for dipping. You can also layer the chicken and veggies over a bed of couscous mixed with toasted pine nuts and fresh herbs to make the meal feel even more festive and complete.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mediterranean Chicken Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it perfect for easy lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you’d like to prepare this dish in advance, you can freeze the fully cooked chicken and vegetables. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. It’s best consumed within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen leftovers overnight in the fridge or reheat refrigerated portions gently in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve the chicken’s juicy texture and keep the vegetables from becoming mushy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for the Mediterranean Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving during cooking, plus they add a richer flavor. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Is this Mediterranean Chicken Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, using fresh ingredients and no wheat-based products. Just be sure any side dishes you serve alongside are also gluten-free if you’re serving someone with gluten sensitivity.
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Definitely! Marinating the chicken for up to 8 hours or overnight deepens the flavors wonderfully. Just cover it tightly and keep it refrigerated while it marinates.
What can I substitute for Kalamata olives if I don’t have them?
If Kalamata olives aren’t available, you can use other briny olives like Castelvetrano or even green olives for a milder flavor. The important part is their salty, savory kick to complement the rest of the dish.
How do I get the feta cheese to melt perfectly on top?
Add the crumbled feta during the last 3 to 5 minutes of baking. This short time in the oven softens the feta so it becomes creamy without completely melting away or drying out.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Mediterranean Chicken Recipe, it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but special enough to serve guests. Plus, the fresh herbs, bright lemon, and bold feta come together in a way that’s simply irresistible. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and create a dish that brings sunshine to your table any day of the week.
Print
Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful Mediterranean Chicken recipe featuring juicy boneless skinless chicken breasts marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then baked with cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and red onions. Finished with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley, this dish offers a wholesome, vibrant dinner perfect for a healthy Mediterranean diet.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 and 1 half pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 half teaspoon paprika
- 1 half teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Vegetables and Toppings
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 half cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1 half cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 quarter cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure a perfect baking environment for the chicken.
- Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the marinade over them, turning the pieces to coat evenly so every bite is infused with bright Mediterranean flavors.
- Arrange Vegetables: Surround the chicken in the baking dish with halved cherry tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, and thinly sliced red onion for a colorful and tasty accompaniment.
- Bake Chicken: Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it’s fully cooked and juicy.
- Add Feta Cheese: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the chicken and vegetables, then return to the oven for an additional 3 to 5 minutes to slightly soften the cheese.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley just before serving to add a fresh herbal aroma and bright green color.
Notes
- This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or roasted potatoes for a nutritious and complete meal.
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 8 hours beforehand to deepen the seasoning.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and optimal juiciness.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
