Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
If you’re searching for a bright, flavor-packed meal that transports you straight to the sun-soaked Mediterranean coast, this Mediterranean Chicken recipe is your answer. With juicy chicken nestled among lemony herbs, briny Kalamata olives, and bursts of cherry tomatoes, the dish is brought together with a finishing shower of creamy feta and fresh parsley. Colorful, simple, and absolutely delicious, Mediterranean Chicken is a true dinnertime showstopper that begs to be shared with family and friends!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Mediterranean Chicken so special is just how beautifully each simple ingredient shines. From aromatic herbs to tangy lemon and salty feta, every component adds depth, color, and irresistible flavor.
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts: The heart of this recipe—pick your favorite cut for juicy, tender results every time.
- Olive Oil: Mediterranean gold—smooth and rich, it creates the perfect base for your marinade.
- Dried Oregano: Delivers herbal brightness with every bite—essential in Mediterranean cooking.
- Dried Thyme: A subtle, savory earthiness that rounds out the herb blend.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a gentle warmth and that gorgeous, rustic color.
- Garlic Powder: Gives extra depth and a well-rounded savory note to the marinade.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Balances and enhances all the flavors—don’t skip these basics.
- Lemon (zest and juice): The zesty citrus kick is non-negotiable for brightness and tang.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic amplifies flavor and infuses every bite with Mediterranean flair.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Little flavor bombs that burst with sweet juiciness as they roast.
- Kalamata Olives: The signature briny bite that defines Mediterranean Chicken.
- Feta Cheese: Salty, tangy, and creamy—sprinkle just before serving for extra decadence.
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of green that delivers freshness and pop right at the end.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together your olive oil, lemon juice and zest, dried herbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and minced garlic in a large bowl. Toss the chicken in, ensuring every piece is luxuriously coated with the marinade. Let it soak up those bold Mediterranean flavors for at least 30 minutes—or, for truly remarkable flavor, let it chill in the fridge for up to 4 hours.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), then heat a large oven-safe skillet on the stovetop with a drizzle of olive oil. Sear the marinated chicken for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until a golden, flavorful crust forms. This quick step locks in the juices and kickstarts that irresistible color.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Olives
With the chicken nestled in the skillet, scatter the halved cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives all around. Their juices and briny flavors will mingle with the chicken as it cooks, creating a gorgeous pan sauce that you’ll want to soak up with every bite.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the entire skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The tomatoes will blister and caramelize, the olives will soften, and your kitchen will fill with the most inviting aroma.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Out of the oven, give everything a generous sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese and freshly chopped parsley. Serve your Mediterranean Chicken while it’s warm and let all those incredible flavors speak for themselves!
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken
Garnishes
For that final flourish, a handful of fresh parsley brings color and a burst of freshness, while tangy feta adds luxurious creaminess. Try a squeeze of extra lemon for brightness, or a drizzle of your favorite extra virgin olive oil to tie everything together.
Side Dishes
This Mediterranean Chicken loves company! Pair it with fluffy couscous, steamed rice, or silky mashed potatoes to soak up all those zesty pan juices. Roasted vegetables or a simple Greek salad make fabulous, vibrant accompaniments as well.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests, serve the chicken family-style straight from the skillet for rustic charm. For a lighter look, mound the chicken atop a bed of arugula or baby greens, then scatter the tomato-olive mix around and finish with feta and parsley—perfect for a summer gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Mediterranean Chicken, allow it to cool to room temperature before storing. Place the chicken, tomatoes, and olives in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the feta and extra fresh parsley separate for best texture when reheating.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken (without the feta and fresh parsley) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The tomatoes may soften further upon thawing, but the flavors will remain delicious.
Reheating
To reheat Mediterranean Chicken, place in a covered skillet or baking dish with a splash of broth or water, then warm gently over medium heat or in a 350°F oven until heated through. Top with fresh feta and parsley just before serving to restore that signature brightness.
FAQs
Can I grill Mediterranean Chicken instead of baking it?
Absolutely! Grill the marinated chicken over medium-high heat for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, adding the tomatoes and olives to a grill-safe pan alongside if desired. The smoky char takes the flavors even deeper.
Can I use bone-in chicken pieces?
Yes, bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks add lots of juicy flavor. Just increase the baking time by around 10 minutes, and always double-check that the internal temperature hits 165°F.
What if I don’t have Kalamata olives?
If you can’t find Kalamata, any briny olive such as Castelvetrano or green olives will work beautifully and still give you that burst of Mediterranean magic.
How do I make this dish dairy-free?
To make dairy-free Mediterranean Chicken, simply skip the feta or swap it for a crumbly vegan feta alternative. The finished dish will still be fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor.
Which herbs can I use if I don’t have oregano or thyme?
If you’re out of oregano or thyme, dried basil or marjoram are both great stand-ins that complement the Mediterranean Chicken flavor profile. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to add some Mediterranean sun to your dinner table, give this Mediterranean Chicken recipe a whirl. It’s truly one of those dishes you’ll come back to again and again—easy, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly versatile. I can’t wait for you to taste how delicious it is!
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Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Mediterranean Chicken recipe is a flavorful and healthy dish that combines tender chicken with the bright flavors of lemon, oregano, and feta cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
- Preheat and sear: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
- Bake: Add cherry tomatoes and olives to the skillet around the chicken. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Finish and serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle with crumbled feta and fresh parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- Pairs beautifully with couscous, rice, or roasted vegetables.
- You can also grill the chicken instead of baking it.
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor, adjusting cook time as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken portion with toppings
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
