Mediterranean Baked Chicken

Mediterranean Baked Chicken is a vibrant one-pan meal that brings together juicy chicken breasts, colourful vegetables and classic Mediterranean flavours in a simple, wholesome dish. Tender chicken is marinated with extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic and aromatic herbs before being baked alongside cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onion and sweet red peppers. Finished with crumbled feta cheese and fresh herbs, every bite is fresh, savoury and full of flavour.

Perfect for busy weeknights, meal preparation or entertaining guests, this easy oven-baked recipe requires minimal effort and delivers restaurant-quality results. Serve it with rice, couscous, quinoa, roasted potatoes or warm pita bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy one-pan meal with minimal washing up.
• Fresh Mediterranean flavours in every bite.
• Juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken.
• Colourful roasted vegetables and creamy feta.
• Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Recipe Information

• Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Vegetables

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 medium red onion, sliced
• 1 cup Kalamata olives
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Fresh basil leaves
• Lemon wedges

Equipment

• 9 × 13-inch baking dish
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and chopping board

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt and black pepper.
4. Place the chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish.
5. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, turning the pieces to coat them evenly.
6. Arrange the cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, bell pepper and Kalamata olives around the chicken.
7. Drizzle the remaining marinade evenly over the vegetables.
8. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
9. During the final 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the vegetables and chicken.
10. Remove the dish from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes.
11. Spoon the roasted vegetables and cooking juices over the chicken.
12. Garnish with fresh parsley, basil leaves and lemon wedges before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Couscous
• Quinoa
• Lemon rice
• Roasted potatoes
• Warm pita bread
• Greek salad
• Steamed vegetables

Chef’s Tips

• Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours for even more flavour.
• Chicken thighs can be substituted for a juicier result.
• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavour.
• Freshly crumbled feta melts more beautifully than pre-packaged crumbles.
• Add courgettes, artichoke hearts or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
• Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freeze the cooked chicken without the feta cheese for up to 3 months.

Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

The roasted vegetables also make an excellent topping for pasta or grain bowls.

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 395
• Protein: 39 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Fibre: 3 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 590 mg
• Cholesterol: 105 mg
• Potassium: 760 mg
• Calcium: 12% DV
• Iron: 10% DV
• Vitamin C: 45% DV

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes. Bone-in chicken pieces work well, but increase the baking time by approximately 10–15 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. Marinate the chicken and prepare the vegetables up to one day in advance, then assemble and bake when ready.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Simply omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free feta alternative.

What can I serve with Mediterranean Baked Chicken?

It pairs beautifully with couscous, quinoa, lemon rice, roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, Greek salad or warm pita bread.

Final Thoughts

Mediterranean Baked Chicken is an easy, flavour-packed meal that combines tender marinated chicken with colourful roasted vegetables, briny olives and creamy feta cheese. Fresh herbs and bright lemon complete this wholesome one-pan dinner, making it a delicious option for everything from busy weeknight meals to relaxed family gatherings.

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