This Mediterranean Chicken is a flavorful and healthy dish featuring tender, juicy chicken infused with olive oil, garlic, lemon, and aromatic Mediterranean spices. Paired with fresh vegetables, olives, and feta, this dish is perfect for a light yet satisfying meal. Serve it with rice, couscous, or a fresh salad for a complete Mediterranean feast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with Bold Mediterranean Flavors – Lemon, garlic, oregano, and olives bring authentic taste.
- Healthy & Protein-Rich – A nutritious meal loaded with lean protein and fresh ingredients.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile & Customizable – Serve over pasta, rice, or with pita bread.
- Meal-Prep Friendly – Stores well for easy lunches or dinners.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken Marinade:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Garlic (minced)
- Oregano (dried or fresh)
- Paprika
- Cumin (optional, for extra depth)
- Salt & black pepper
For the Mediterranean Toppings:
- Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- Red onion (sliced)
- Kalamata olives (pitted, halved)
- Feta cheese (crumbled)
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
Optional Additions:
- Artichoke hearts
- Roasted red peppers
- Spinach or arugula
Directions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Mix the Marinade – In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken – Add the chicken to the marinade, coating well. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat a Skillet or Grill Pan – Over medium-high heat, add a little olive oil.
- Cook Chicken – Sear for 5-6 minutes per side (or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C)).
- Rest & Slice – Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice or serve whole.
Step 3: Assemble & Serve
- Top with Mediterranean Ingredients – Arrange sliced chicken on a plate and top with tomatoes, red onion, olives, feta, and parsley.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil & Lemon – For extra flavor, drizzle with more olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Enjoy! – Serve with rice, quinoa, couscous, or warm pita bread.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating Time: 20 minutes (optional)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Variations
- Mediterranean Chicken Bowls – Serve over quinoa or brown rice with hummus.
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or harissa to the marinade.
- Dairy-Free Version – Skip the feta or use dairy-free cheese.
- Slow Cooker Version – Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours with all ingredients combined.
- Oven-Baked Mediterranean Chicken – Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth to keep moist.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes! Adjust cooking time to 7-8 minutes per side for bone-in thighs.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.
What can I serve with this dish?
Try roasted potatoes, tzatziki sauce, or a Greek salad.
Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How do I make it extra juicy?
Marinate longer and avoid overcooking—use a meat thermometer!
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap chicken for chickpeas or tofu and follow the same seasonings.
Can I cook this in the oven?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, depending on thickness.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes! Store the chicken and toppings separately for best freshness.
What’s the best way to grill this chicken?
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, cook for 5-6 minutes per side, and let rest before slicing.
Can I add a sauce?
Yes! Drizzle with tzatziki, hummus, or a yogurt garlic sauce.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Chicken is packed with fresh, bold flavors and is incredibly easy to make. Whether served in a bowl, over grains, or with warm pita, it’s a delicious and healthy meal you’ll want to make again and again. Try this recipe today for a taste of the Mediterranean at home!
PrintMediterranean Chicken
This Mediterranean Chicken is juicy, flavorful, and infused with garlic, lemon, and herbs. It’s pan-seared or baked, making it an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep favorite! Serve it with rice, couscous, or roasted vegetables for a healthy meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet / Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
For Garnish:
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, and spices.
- Coat the chicken in the marinade and let it sit for at least 15 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Pan-Seared Method:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
Baking Method:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place chicken in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 3: Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, olives, and fresh parsley.
- Serve warm with couscous, rice, or pita bread.
Notes
- Want more flavor? Add 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Make it dairy-free? Skip the feta cheese.
- Serve with: Tzatziki, hummus, or a Greek salad.