Mediterranean Chicken

Close your eyes and imagine the vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and delightful aromas of the Mediterranean. Now picture bringing all of that straight to your dinner table. This Mediterranean Chicken recipe is your ticket to an elegant yet simple meal, packed with nutritious ingredients, zesty marinades, and roasted vegetables that transport your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of lemon, garlic, oregano, and thyme creates a symphony of Mediterranean tastes.
• Nutritious and Balanced: Protein-rich chicken pairs perfectly with vibrant roasted vegetables for a healthy meal.
• Easy to Make: With minimal effort and just one baking dish, cleanup is a breeze.
• Customizable: Adjust the seasoning, vegetables, or garnishes to suit your preferences.

Ingredients for Mediterranean Chicken

Here’s everything you need for this vibrant and delicious meal.

For the Chicken Marinade

Ingredient	Amount
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts	4 (halal-certified)
Olive oil	3 tablespoons
Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)	2 tablespoons
Garlic, minced	4 cloves
Dried oregano	1 teaspoon
Dried thyme	1 teaspoon
Smoked paprika	1/2 teaspoon
Red pepper flakes (optional)	1/4 teaspoon
Salt and black pepper	To taste

For the Vegetables

Ingredient	Amount
Cherry tomatoes, halved	1 cup
Red onion, sliced into wedges	1 medium
Zucchini, sliced into half-moons	1
Bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange), cut into strips	1
Kalamata olives, pitted and halved	1/3 cup
Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped	1/4 cup

For Garnish

Ingredient	Amount
Fresh parsley, chopped	2 tablespoons
Crumbled feta cheese (optional)	2 tablespoons
Lemon wedges	For serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

• In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
• Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.

2. Prepare the Vegetables

• While the chicken marinates, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Arrange the cherry tomatoes, red onion, zucchini, bell pepper, Kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes on a large baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish.
• Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and black pepper, and toss to coat the vegetables evenly.

3. Sear the Chicken (Optional)

• For added flavor, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
• Remove the chicken from the marinade and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step locks in flavor and creates a lovely crust.

4. Bake the Chicken and Vegetables

• Nestle the marinated or seared chicken breasts among the vegetables on the baking sheet or dish.
• Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken and vegetables to enhance the flavors.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the vegetables are tender.

5. Garnish and Serve

• Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese, if desired.
• Serve warm with lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrusy goodness.

Tips for Perfect Mediterranean Chicken

• Don’t Skip the Marinade: Allowing the chicken to marinate ensures it stays juicy and flavorful.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice, garlic, and herbs make a significant difference in flavor.
• Evenly Cut Vegetables: Uniformly slicing the vegetables ensures they cook evenly.
• Customize the Heat: Add more red pepper flakes for a spicier dish or omit them for a milder version.
• Experiment with Proteins: This recipe works wonderfully with chicken thighs or even fish like cod or salmon.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320–350 kcal
Protein	30 g
Carbohydrates	10 g
Fat	18 g
Saturated Fat	4 g
Sodium	500 mg

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Serving Suggestions

This Mediterranean Chicken pairs beautifully with:

• Rice or Quinoa: Serve the chicken and vegetables over a bed of fluffy rice or nutty quinoa for a filling meal.
• Pita Bread: Scoop the chicken and vegetables into warm pita bread for a handheld feast.
• Salad: Pair with a Greek salad or mixed greens for a fresh and crunchy side.
• Tzatziki Sauce: Drizzle this tangy yogurt sauce over the chicken for an extra layer of flavor.

FAQs About Mediterranean Chicken

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken and chop the vegetables up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work perfectly in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

4. Can I freeze this dish?

You can freeze the marinated chicken and raw vegetables separately for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

5. What’s a good substitute for Kalamata olives?

If you’re not a fan of Kalamata olives, try black or green olives, or simply omit them.

6. How do I make this dish dairy-free?

Skip the feta cheese garnish to make this recipe completely dairy-free.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Chicken recipe combines the vibrant, fresh flavors of the Mediterranean into an easy, healthy, and delicious meal. With tender chicken, roasted vegetables, and zesty garnishes, it’s perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to elegant gatherings.

So, why wait? Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a restaurant-quality meal at home. Don’t forget to share your creation and make it your own. Enjoy the taste of the Mediterranean tonight!

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