Lemon & Herb Mediterranean Baked Chicken

Okay, here's that blog post intro, all casual like:

Recipe Introduction: Craving Sunshine? Hello Mediterranean Chicken!

Ever get that feeling where you just need a holiday? me too! that's why i'm obsessed with this mediterranean chicken recipe .

Seriously, it’s like a mini vacation on a plate. forget boring chicken dinners! we're talking bright, zesty lemon, herby goodness, and that salty olive kick.

This easy mediterranean diet recipes winner hails, unsurprisingly, from the sunny shores of the mediterranean. think greece, italy, north africa all those places where food is a celebration.

It's proper simple, takes about an hour, and feeds four hungry souls. sounds good, yeah?

Quick Hook: Sun-Drenched Flavor in Every Bite

Fancy a trip to the Mediterranean without the airfare? This mediterranean chicken recipe delivers vibrant flavors of lemon, herbs, and olives straight to your dinner table. It’s that simple.

Overview: Taste of the Med

This dish captures the essence of the mediterranean diet recipes . it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. it’s dead easy perfect for beginners.

You will need an hour from start to finish, and it comfortably feeds 4.

Main Benefits: Health Dinner Recipes that Rock

Honestly, this isn’t just delicious, it’s good for you too! this mediterranean chicken recipe is packed with protein and healthy fats.

Plus, it is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner but fancy enough for a sunday roast. what makes it special? the sheer flavour explosion.

Forget bland chicken, this is a taste sensation.

Getting Started: Those All-Important Ingredients

Right, let's get down to brass tacks and talk ingredients. you know i'm all about using what you've got. however, for this recipe, it's worth getting some decent olives.

The kalamata ones are chef's kiss but any will do. next, the best lemon is the one you have!

Right, let's get down to the nitty gritty for this lemon & herb mediterranean chicken recipe . honestly, it's so easy, even my mate dave, who burns toast, could nail it.

We're aiming for sunshine on a plate, so let's see what we need!

Ingredients: The Mediterranean Line-Up

Okay, so you want to make sure this Mediterranean Chicken recipe is just right? Quality is key, especially with the lemon. Get the good stuff!

Main Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: You'll need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts ( 6 oz/170g each). Make sure they are plump and pink.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons , plus extra for drizzling. Go for extra virgin; it makes a difference.
• Lemon: 1 large lemon, zested and juiced. It should feel heavy for its size, full of juice.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Fresh is best, but the jarred stuff works in a pinch.
• Dried Oregano: 1 tablespoon .
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon .
• Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional, for a bit of a kick).
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, freshly ground black pepper, obviously.
• Kalamata Olives: ½ cup , pitted and halved. The salty ones are essential.
• Cherry Tomatoes: ½ cup , halved.
• Feta Cheese: ¼ cup , crumbled (optional). Proper Greek feta is amazing.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish.

Seasoning Notes: Secret Weapon Alert!

This Mediterranean chicken recipe relies heavily on the right spice blend. Honestly, it’s all about that zesty lemon combined with earthy oregano and thyme. It just screams sunshine!

• Essential Combination: Lemon zest & juice, oregano, thyme. This is the base!
• Flavor Enhancers: Garlic and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of a kick).
• Substitution Options: Don't have oregano? Use Italian seasoning. It's not quite the same, but it'll do.

This Mediterranean Chicken recipe is all about the flavour! I'm telling you; your kitchen will smell amazing !

Equipment: Keep It Simple, Stupid!

We're not trying to build a rocket here. This is a Sheet Pan Recipes kind of meal!

• Baking Dish: A 9x13 inch baking dish will do the trick. A Sheet Pan Dinners works too!.
• Small Bowl: For mixing the marinade. A ramekin or even a mug works just fine.
• Citrus Zester and Juicer: Unless you're really good with a knife.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: To get the amounts right. Accuracy matters, innit?

Honestly, that's all you need. Don't go buying fancy gear for this one. Now, let's get cooking! You'll be whipping up Easy Mediterranean Diet Recipes in no time! Great for Health Dinner Recipes and Chicken Dishes Recipes ! This is one of the easiest Mediterranean Diet Recipes Dinners you can prepare!

Honestly, this could be the centerpiece of your very own Dessert Bar !

Okay, here's a slice of an article, all about cooking up a Mediterranean Chicken recipe . Ready to bring some sunshine to your dinner table?

Cooking Up a Mediterranean Chicken Feast!

Honestly, who doesn't love a good mediterranean diet recipes dinners ? i know i do. this easy mediterranean diet recipes is gonna be your new fave! we're talkin' flavour, ease, and healthy vibes all in one sheet pan dinners recipes that's also one of my go-to health dinner recipes .

I bet you would also like to take a look at our dessert bar section for a great dinner party.

Prep Steps: Mise en Place Magic!

First things first, get organized! mise en place , darling. it's french for "everything in its place." chop your half cup of kalamata olives.

Halve your half cup of cherry tomatoes. zest and juice that lemon! mince those two cloves of garlic. organization is key, you know? this is so crucial when you want to get to that chicken dishes recipes .

step-by-step to Mediterranean Chicken Heaven!

1. Mix your marinade: two tablespoons olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (optional).
2. Marinate those four chicken breasts for at least 15 minutes or even longer for deeper flavour!
3. Scatter halved Kalamata olives and cherry tomatoes around the chicken on that baking dish.
4. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 40- 45 minutes , or until the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
5. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
6. Garnish with feta and parsley, then serve!

Pro Tips to Seriously Elevate Your Mediterranean Chicken

Wanna level up your sheet pan dinners ? don't overcook! i mean it! chicken dries out easily. use a meat thermometer to be sure.

For reals, don't get upset later and remember to use one for this mediterranean diet recipes . also, don't crowd the pan! this will steam the chicken and you want it to brown properly.

If you are looking for a simple solution that fits all, feel free to check the sheet pan recipes .

I’ve had a few kitchen fails trying to rush this. I once tried to double the batch on one pan total disaster! Lesson learned: always space things out.

Another pro tip? I prefer using fresh herbs when possible. I know sometimes it takes time but the flavour is far beyond of anything else!

Alright, let's dive into some extra notes for our Lemon & Herb Mediterranean Baked Chicken – think of this as your cheat sheet to success!

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions: Picture This...

Right, so you've got this beautiful mediterranean chicken recipe fresh from the oven. how do you make it look chef's kiss ? first, don't be shy with the plating.

Seriously, arrange those chicken breasts nicely, maybe a little artfully, on the plate. sprinkle with some extra fresh parsley you know, for that pop of colour.

Honestly, this chicken goes great with so many sides. how about some fluffy couscous or quinoa to soak up all those lemony juices? a classic greek salad is always a winner, or even just a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.

And don’t forget the crusty bread! i love dipping bread into those juices. for a dessert bar addition, you can include some fresh fruits to complete the mediterranean diet recipes dinners menu.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Leftovers, eh? don't we all love 'em? pop that leftover chicken into an airtight container and it'll be good in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Make sure it's properly cooled first, mind.

Freezing? you can , but honestly, it's best fresh. chicken tends to dry out a bit when frozen and reheated.

But if you must , wrap it tightly in freezer safe wrap, and it should be fine for up to a month.

Reheating is best done in the oven at a low temp (about 300° f/ 150° c) with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.

Or, heck, just microwave it. we've all been there. consider making sheet pan dinners recipes .

Variations: Let's Get Creative!

Fancy a change? no problem! for a dietary adaptation , you could easily swap out the chicken for halloumi cheese.

Just bake it until it's golden brown and squeaky delicious! and for a vegetarian twist, you can create easy mediterranean diet recipes with seasonal vegetables.

Seasonally speaking, in the summer, add some grilled peaches or nectarines to the sheet pan recipes before baking for a sweet and savory twist.

In winter, roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips work a treat. you might even discover new chicken dishes recipes ! it can lead to delicious health dinner recipes .

Nutrition Basics: Good for You!

Okay, so roughly, each serving of this mediterranean chicken recipe is around 350 calories. it’s packed with protein (about 45g per serving, give or take) and has a decent amount of healthy fats from the olive oil (around 15g).

Carbs are pretty low, around 5g, and there's a bit of fiber (1g) and sugar (2g).

Thing is, all these mediterranean diet recipes are known for their heart healthy benefits. the olive oil is great for your cholesterol, and the herbs are packed with antioxidants.

Plus, it’s a good source of lean protein.

So there you have it! get cooking, have fun, and don't be afraid to tweak things to your liking. seriously, it's your kitchen, your rules! give our sheet pan dinners method a try.