Description
This Mediterranean Baked Chicken with Feta & Olives is a flavorful and colorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts baked with tangy feta cheese, briny Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Designed for a simple yet impressive meal, it combines the bright, zesty flavors of the Mediterranean diet into a one-pan, oven-baked entree perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Vegetables & Toppings
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts to infuse them with flavor.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, sliced red onion, and minced garlic around and on top of the chicken. Lay lemon slices over the chicken breasts for a bright citrus aroma.
- Bake the Dish: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the vegetables are tender and lightly roasted.
- Add Feta Cheese: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes to slightly melt the cheese.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve warm, pairing perfectly with rice, salad, or crusty bread.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer dark meat; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the olive oil marinade.
- Use fresh oregano instead of dried for a more vibrant herb flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the Mediterranean flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
