If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors, colors, and healthful ingredients, this Mediterranean Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Juicy, tender chicken breasts are infused with a zesty lemon and herb marinade, baked alongside sweet cherry tomatoes and briny Kalamata olives, then topped with creamy feta and fresh parsley. This recipe perfectly balances simplicity with exciting Mediterranean flair, making it an irresistible choice for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Mediterranean Chicken Recipe plays a crucial role in bringing authentic Mediterranean charm to your plate. From fragrant herbs to fresh lemon and vibrant veggies, it’s all about balance and freshness.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that soaks up all the flavorful marinade.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade cling to the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic Mediterranean herb that infuses an earthy aroma.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings a subtle layer of herbal complexity to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers a gentle garlic punch without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a mild smoky depth and beautiful color.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides just the right amount of spice.
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced): Brightens the entire dish with fresh citrus zing.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved): Juicy bursts of sweetness that roast beautifully.
- ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives (sliced): Adds briny, savory notes that define Mediterranean cuisine.
- ¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced): Offers a mild sharpness and a touch of crunch.
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese: Creamy, salty topping that melts slightly when added warm.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped): Adds a fresh herbal finish and vibrant green color.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, dried oregano, thyme, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice. This marinade is where the magic begins — every herb and spice blends to create layers of bold, bright flavor that will soak deep into the chicken breasts.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish, then rub the marinade thoroughly all over them. Make sure each piece is fully coated to maximize flavor throughout. The lemon juice not only adds freshness but also gently tenderizes the chicken as it marinates.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Olives
Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, and thinly sliced red onions evenly around the chicken breasts in the baking dish. These vibrant ingredients will roast alongside the chicken, softening and releasing their juices. They bring sweetness, brininess, and a touch of crunch that complement the savory chicken perfectly.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake everything uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This timing ensures tender, juicy chicken and roasted vegetables bursting with flavor. The oven’s heat melds all components into a deliciously cohesive dish.
Step 5: Finish with Feta and Parsley
Once out of the oven, immediately sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the hot chicken and veggies. The creamy, salty bite of the feta and the fresh herbs add a bright finish that elevates this Mediterranean Chicken Recipe to the next level.
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley are a simple but essential garnish that invigorates the whole dish with color and herbal freshness. You can also add a few extra lemon slices for a pretty presentation and a burst of citrus aroma. A light drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving makes it shine and adds richness.
Side Dishes
This Mediterranean Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with fluffy couscous, nutty quinoa, or a medley of roasted vegetables. A light green salad with cucumber and tomato dressed in lemon vinaigrette also complements the bold flavors beautifully, keeping the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken over creamy hummus or spread it atop warm pita bread for a delicious open-faced sandwich. Alternatively, turn this into a colorful grain bowl by combining leftover chicken and veggies with cooked grains, a dollop of tzatziki, and some fresh greens for a nutritious lunch or dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Mediterranean Chicken Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken and veggies together allows the flavors to meld even more, making each bite just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you’d like to save some for later. Store the chicken and vegetables in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave on medium power to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil can help keep the chicken moist during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option for this Mediterranean Chicken Recipe as they tend to stay juicier and richer in flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Mediterranean Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for anyone avoiding gluten. Just make sure to check any side dishes or additional ingredients for gluten content.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely! Simply omit the feta cheese when finishing the dish. You can also try topping with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for an added crunch instead.
What can I substitute for Kalamata olives if I don’t have any?
If Kalamata olives aren’t available, you can substitute with other briny olives like Castelvetrano or green olives, sliced thinly. They’ll provide a similar salty contrast that balances the dish.
How long does marinating the chicken improve the flavor?
While this recipe doesn’t require long marinating, letting the chicken soak in the marinade for 30 minutes to 2 hours before baking can deepen the flavors. However, even a quick coat before baking delivers plenty of zest and herbs.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Chicken Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser — simple to prepare yet packed with vivid, fresh flavors that make every bite feel special. It’s a dish that invites you to gather around the table, savor the sunshine-inspired ingredients, and enjoy the wholesome goodness of Mediterranean cooking. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become a much-loved classic in your regular rotation.
Print
Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Mediterranean Chicken is a flavorful and healthy main course featuring boneless, skinless chicken breasts marinated in a zesty blend of lemon, herbs, and spices, then baked to perfection with cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onions, and topped with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley. This easy-to-make gluten-free recipe pairs beautifully with couscous, quinoa, or roasted vegetables, perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
Toppings and Garnishes
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives (sliced)
- ¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the chicken thoroughly.
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well to create a fragrant marinade.
- Coat the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Rub the marinade evenly over each breast until fully coated, allowing the flavors to infuse.
- Add toppings: Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, and thinly sliced red onions around the chicken in the baking dish.
- Bake the chicken: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is cooked safely and remains juicy.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the cooked chicken before serving to add creaminess and fresh herbaceous notes.
Notes
- This dish pairs wonderfully with couscous, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer a juicier cut.
- For a dairy-free version, simply omit the feta cheese without compromising flavor.
