Description
A flavorful Mediterranean chicken recipe featuring juicy baked chicken breasts topped with fresh cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. This easy-to-make dish is seasoned with oregano, garlic, paprika, and lemon juice, delivering a bright and savory meal perfect for any weeknight or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Toppings and Garnishes
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then rub each breast evenly with olive oil to keep the meat moist and help the seasonings stick.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with dried oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to build a fragrant and savory base flavor.
- Arrange in baking dish: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and thinly sliced red onion around and on top of the chicken to infuse the dish with Mediterranean flavors as it bakes.
- Add lemon juice: Squeeze the juice of one fresh lemon evenly over the chicken and toppings for a bright and zesty finish.
- Bake the chicken: Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
- Finish with feta and parsley: Remove the baked chicken from the oven. Immediately sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and toppings for a creamy tang and fresh herbaceous note.
- Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to lock in the juices. Serve warm with your favorite sides like rice, couscous, or a simple green salad.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with rice, couscous, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a richer flavor and dark meat preference.
- For added vegetables, try incorporating chopped spinach or artichoke hearts into the baking dish.
