Mediterranean Chicken

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

  1. Mix the Marinade – In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  2. 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

  1. Heat a Skillet or Grill Pan – Over medium-high heat, add a little olive oil.
  2. Cook Chicken – Sear for 5-6 minutes per side (or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C)).
  3. Rest & Slice – Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice or serve whole.

Step 3: Assemble & Serve

  1. Top with Mediterranean Ingredients – Arrange sliced chicken on a plate and top with tomatoes, red onion, olives, feta, and parsley.
  2. Drizzle with Olive Oil & Lemon – For extra flavor, drizzle with more olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
  3. 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!

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Mediterranean Chicken

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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.

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet / Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, and spices.
  2. 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:

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.

Baking Method:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. 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

  1. Sprinkle with feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, olives, and fresh parsley.
  2. 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.

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