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
Scale
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.
