Description
Transport your taste buds to the sunny Mediterranean with this vibrant and flavorful chicken dish. Juicy, marinated chicken breasts are paired with roasted vegetables and zesty garnishes for a meal that’s healthy, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Vegetables:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium red onion, sliced into wedges
- 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange), cut into strips
- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts, coating them evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange cherry tomatoes, red onion, zucchini, bell pepper, Kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes on a large baking sheet or oven-safe dish.
- Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and black pepper, and toss to coat evenly.
- Sear the Chicken (Optional):
- For extra flavor, heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Remove chicken from the marinade and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Bake the Chicken and Vegetables:
- Nestle the marinated or seared chicken breasts among the vegetables on the baking sheet.
- Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken and vegetables for added flavor.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the vegetables are tender.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese, if desired.
- Serve with lemon wedges for a citrusy burst of flavor.
Notes
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for several hours to enhance its taste and juiciness.
- Uniformly Cut Vegetables: Evenly sized vegetables ensure they roast evenly.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
- Alternative Proteins: Try chicken thighs, cod, or salmon as variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean