Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Introduction

A Mediterranean delight in every bite this Herbed Chicken Bake is a colorful, flavor-packed dish featuring juicy chicken breasts, roasted vegetables, tangy olives, and creamy feta. Simple, wholesome, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and coat thoroughly. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
3. Arrange the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, red onion, and bell pepper in a baking dish. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Place the marinated chicken on top of the vegetables. Scatter Kalamata olives over everything.
5. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp: 165°F/74°C).
6. In the last 5 minutes, sprinkle with crumbled feta and return to the oven.
7. Rest for a few minutes after baking. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Variation

1. Add Artichoke Hearts
   Toss in a handful of marinated artichoke hearts along with the veggies for a briny, tangy layer of flavor that complements the olives and feta beautifully. They add texture and a slightly nutty bite to the overall dish.

2. Use Chicken Thighs Instead
   Swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless thighs if you prefer a richer, juicier cut. Thighs tend to stay moist and flavorful during baking, making them a great option for those who enjoy darker meat.

3. Spice It Up
   Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the marinade if you like a little heat or smoky depth. It gives the dish a nice kick without overpowering the Mediterranean flavors.

Cooking Notes

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Dish
   Spread everything out in a single layer to allow proper roasting. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of caramelizing, which affects both texture and flavor.

2. Marinate Longer for More Flavor
   While 15 minutes is enough in a pinch, letting the chicken marinate for 1–2 hours (or even overnight in the fridge) allows the herbs and citrus to penetrate deeper, resulting in more tender, flavorful meat.

3. Check for Doneness with a Thermometer
   To ensure juicy, fully cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). It’s more accurate than guessing based on time alone.

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve Over Couscous or Quinoa
   The flavorful juices from the bake are perfect for spooning over a bed of fluffy couscous or protein-packed quinoa. These grains absorb the marinade and create a satisfying, well-rounded meal.

2. Add a Side of Tzatziki or Hummus
   A dollop of tzatziki or a scoop of hummus on the side adds a refreshing, creamy contrast to the roasted flavors, enhancing the Mediterranean vibe and balancing the spices.

3. Pair with Warm Pita or Crusty Bread
   Include some warm pita or rustic bread to scoop up the veggies, feta, and juices. It turns the dish into a hearty, shareable platter that’s great for family-style dinners.

Tips

1. Use Fresh Herbs if Available
   While dried oregano is classic, substituting fresh oregano or adding a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary can elevate the dish with vibrant, aromatic notes. Just double the amount when using fresh herbs.

2. Slice Veggies Evenly for Even Cooking
   Try to keep all vegetable pieces roughly the same thickness so they roast at the same rate. Thinner slices may burn or overcook while thicker chunks stay underdone.

3. Let the Chicken Rest Before Serving
   Giving the chicken a few minutes to rest after baking helps the juices redistribute, making every bite tender and moist. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in texture.

Prep Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 360 kcal

• Protein: 38g

• Sodium: 520mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
   Yes, but be sure to fully thaw them before marinating and baking. Frozen chicken won’t absorb the marinade well and may cook unevenly if still partially frozen. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

2. Can this recipe be meal-prepped in advance?
   Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and chop the veggies ahead of time store them separately in the fridge and assemble right before baking. It’s a great time-saver for busy weekdays.

3. Is it okay to substitute other vegetables?
   Totally! Feel free to use what you have eggplant, mushrooms, or yellow squash all work well. Just keep the sizes uniform so they roast evenly with the rest of the dish.

4. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Yes! Just skip the feta or use a dairy-free alternative. The rest of the dish is naturally dairy-free and still packs plenty of flavor from the herbs, lemon, and olives.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Chicken Bake is a fresh, wholesome, and flavor-loaded dinner that brings sunshine to your table. With tender herbed chicken, roasted veggies, and a tangy finish of feta and olives, it’s a simple one-pan wonder you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re meal-prepping or cooking for family, it’s a go-to recipe that never disappoints.

Rhubarb Coffee Cake with a Hint of Brew

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• Author: Avery
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A Mediterranean delight in every bitethis Herbed Chicken Bake is a colorful, flavor-packed dish featuring juicy chicken breasts, roasted vegetables, tangy olives, and creamy feta. Simple, wholesome, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a large bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and coat thoroughly. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
• Arrange the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, red onion, and bell pepper in a baking dish. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
• Place the marinated chicken on top of the vegetables. Scatter Kalamata olives over everything.
• Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp: 165°F/74°C).
• In the last 5 minutes, sprinkle with crumbled feta and return to the oven.
• Rest for a few minutes after baking. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Notes

• Swap in artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes for a twist.
• This dish pairs beautifully with couscous, quinoa, or crusty bread.
• You can prep the veggies and marinade the chicken in advance for an even quicker dinner.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Main Course
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast + vegetables
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, baked chicken, healthy dinner, one pan meal, roasted vegetables