Easy Mediterranean Chicken Recipe

The dish embodies the vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients associated with Mediterranean cooking, resulting in a mouthwatering Mediterranean chicken recipe dish packed with aromatic herbs, juicy tomatoes, tangy olives, and zesty lemon. Often, it’s accompanied by ingredients commonly found in Mediterranean cuisine, such as tomatoes, olives (like Kalamata olives), garlic, lemon, and olive oil.

Gallery Mediterranean Chicken

Here’s a simple recipe for Mediterranean-style chicken

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• Optional: feta cheese for garnish

Instructions

1/ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2/ In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3/ Pat dry the chicken breasts with paper towels. Rub the spice mixture onto both sides of the chicken breasts.

4/ Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.

5/ Place the skillet with the chicken in the preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.

6/ While the chicken is baking, prepare the Mediterranean topping. In a bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, chopped parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice.

7/ Once the chicken is done, remove the skillet from the oven. Top the chicken breasts with the Mediterranean mixture.

8/ Optionally, crumble some feta cheese on top for added flavor.

9/ Serve the Mediterranean chicken hot, garnished with additional parsley or lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy!

This dish pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables, couscous, or a fresh salad. Adjust the seasonings and ingredients according to your taste preferences.

Tips and Tricks for Making Delicious Mediterranean Chicken

Herb and Spice Mix: Create a flavorful herb and spice blend using dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to season the chicken. Adjust the amounts to suit your taste preferences.

Marinating: For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in the herb and spice mixture along with some olive oil for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh herbs like parsley or basil for garnishing. Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest can also elevate the flavors of the dish.

Quality Olive Oil: Use good quality extra-virgin olive oil both for marinating the chicken and for cooking.

Proper Cooking Technique: Sear the chicken in an oven-safe skillet on the stovetop to get a nice brown crust, then transfer the skillet to the oven to finish cooking.

Choose Complementary Ingredients: Along with the chicken, incorporate Mediterranean staples like cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and garlic to add depth and richness to the dish.

Doneness Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee it’s fully cooked but still moist.

Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle fresh herbs, like chopped parsley or basil, over the finished dish for a pop of color and added freshness. Crumbling some feta cheese over the chicken before serving can also provide a creamy and salty element.

Serve with Complementary Sides: Mediterranean Chicken pairs well with sides such as roasted vegetables, couscous, quinoa, or a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.

Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. You might want to add a pinch of salt, a squeeze of lemon, or an extra drizzle of olive oil to balance the flavors.

Nutrition Facts

The nutritional values of Mediterranean chicken can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. Here’s a general approximation for a serving of Mediterranean chicken (approximately 1 chicken breast with Mediterranean toppings):

• Calories: Around 250-300 calories per serving
• Protein: Approximately 25-30 grams
• Fat: About 10-15 grams, mostly from healthy fats like olive oil
• Carbohydrates: Around 5–10 grams, mostly from vegetables and minimal sources like olives or tomatoes
• Fiber: Roughly 2-3 grams
• Sodium: Varies depending on added salt and ingredients like olives, with approximately 400–600 mg

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific recipe, ingredients used, cooking methods, and portion sizes.

(FAQs) About Mediterranean Chicken