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
Scale
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.
