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- 4 bone-in chicken thighs, skin-on - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 medium red onion, sliced - 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved - 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 yellow), sliced The main ingredients in this dish create a colorful and tasty meal. The bone-in chicken thighs give you juicy meat and crispy skin. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and a burst of flavor. The red onion brings a slight sharpness, while the bell peppers and olives add crunch and saltiness. - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - 1 tablespoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon paprika - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled For seasoning, olive oil and lemon juice keep things fresh and zesty. Dried oregano and paprika add depth to the dish. Salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors. Finally, the feta cheese on top provides a creamy, tangy finish. - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish When serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. It adds a nice pop of color and freshness. You can pair this dish with crusty bread or a simple salad for a full meal. This dish shines on its own, but those sides can elevate your dining experience. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheating the oven First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps the chicken cook evenly and become crispy. 2. Preparing the vegetable mixture Grab a large mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 medium sliced red onion, and 1 cup of halved kalamata olives. Next, slice 2 bell peppers, one red and one yellow, and add them to the bowl. Finally, mince 4 cloves of garlic and toss them in. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the juice of 1 lemon over the veggies. Then, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of paprika, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Mix everything well, so all the flavors blend together. 1. Arranging chicken in the baking dish Take 4 bone-in chicken thighs and place them skin side up in a large baking dish. Pour the colorful vegetable mixture around the chicken. This way, the chicken absorbs all the tasty juices while cooking. 2. Baking and achieving crispiness Sprinkle lemon zest over the chicken and the veggies. Bake everything in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The skin should be golden and crispy, adding a nice crunch to each bite. 1. Adding feta cheese Once your dish is done baking, take it out of the oven. Sprinkle ¼ cup of crumbled feta cheese over the top. The cheese adds a creamy, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken and veggies. 2. Resting before serving Let the dish rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to settle, making the chicken juicier. Before serving, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and taste. Serve warm and enjoy this delightful meal! - Achieving crispy chicken skin: Start with bone-in chicken thighs. The skin helps keep the meat moist while it cooks. Pat the skin dry with a paper towel. This helps it crisp up. When you bake, place the chicken skin side up. Bake it at 400°F for about 40-45 minutes. This high heat makes the skin nice and crispy. - Perfect seasoning balances: Use a mix of salt, pepper, and spices. I like dried oregano and paprika. These add great flavor. Don’t forget the lemon juice! It brightens up the dish. Be sure to coat the chicken and veggies well. A good mix makes every bite tasty. - Best sides to pair: Serve this dish with rice or crusty bread. Both soak up the tasty juices. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch. Try a simple cucumber and tomato salad. The freshness complements the bake well. - Garnishing tips for presentation: After baking, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top. It adds a creamy texture. Fresh parsley makes it look vibrant. Chop it finely and scatter it over the dish. This makes it inviting and bright. - Prepping ahead of time: You can prepare the veggies and chicken earlier. Mix the veggies in the bowl and cover them. Marinate the chicken with spices overnight. This makes the flavors stronger. When you are ready, just bake it. - Quick reheat tips: If you have leftovers, reheat them in the oven. Set it to 350°F and cover the dish. This keeps the chicken moist. You can also microwave it, but it may not be as crispy. If you use the microwave, heat it in short bursts. Check often to avoid overcooking. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor of your dish. Fresh ingredients can make a significant difference in taste. Chicken Skin Crispiness: For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last 5 minutes of cooking. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Flavor Pairing: Experiment with different types of olives or add capers for additional flavor dimensions. Each variation can provide a unique twist to the dish. Resting Time: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving helps the juices redistribute in the chicken, making it more tender and flavorful. {{image_2}} You can swap out the vegetables in this dish. Try zucchini, asparagus, or even eggplant. Each change adds a unique taste. For a twist on cheese, use goat cheese or mozzarella. Each option melts nicely and gives a different flavor. Want a bit of heat? Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. These spices can wake up the dish. Marinating the chicken is another great idea. Use yogurt or lemon juice with herbs for added flavor. This step makes the chicken juicy and tasty. If you need gluten-free options, this dish is easy to adapt. The main ingredients are naturally gluten-free. For a dairy-free version, skip the feta cheese. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without dairy. If you are low-carb, focus on more veggies. Cut back on the olives and keep the chicken and peppers. This change still keeps it flavorful. To keep your Mediterranean chicken bake fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This will prevent moisture loss and keep flavors intact. Place the dish in the fridge within two hours of cooking. For freezing, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. This method helps prevent freezer burn. You can also use freezer-safe bags, but remove as much air as you can. When reheating, keep the chicken moist by using the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. If using a microwave, use a microwave-safe plate. Cover the chicken with a damp paper towel to trap moisture. Heat in short bursts, checking often to avoid dry chicken. In the fridge, your Mediterranean chicken bake lasts about 3-4 days. Check for signs of spoilage, like off smells or a slimy texture. If you see any, it’s best to toss it out. When frozen, it can last up to 3 months. Always label containers with the date, so you know when to use them. Can I use boneless chicken thighs? Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They will cook faster. Adjust the baking time to about 30-35 minutes. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are safe to eat. What can I substitute for kalamata olives? If you don’t have kalamata olives, use green olives instead. They add a nice briny flavor. You can also try artichoke hearts for a unique twist. Why is my chicken not crispy? If your chicken is not crispy, it might be due to moisture. Ensure the skin is dry before baking. Bake on a wire rack for better airflow. You can also broil for a few minutes at the end for extra crispiness. What to do if it’s overcooked? If your chicken is overcooked, it may become dry. Serve it with a sauce or broth to add moisture. You can shred it and mix it into salads or wraps for a tasty solution. Approximate calories per serving This dish has about 400 calories per serving. It offers a hearty meal without too many calories. Breakdown of macronutrients Each serving contains roughly: - Protein: 30g - Carbohydrates: 15g - Fat: 25g This meal is balanced and provides good nutrition while being delicious. This recipe gives you a simple way to create a tasty dish. You learned about the main ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips. Remember, crispy chicken and fresh flavors make every meal better. Don't forget the variations to switch things up based on what you have. Store leftovers right to keep them fresh longer. With these pointers, you can cook with ease and confidence. Enjoy your delicious meal and share it with friends!

Mediterranean Chicken Bake

A flavorful chicken dish baked with fresh vegetables and Mediterranean ingredients.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces bone-in chicken thighs, skin-on
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium red onion, sliced
  • 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 2 pieces bell peppers (1 red, 1 yellow), sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 piece lemon (zest and juice)
  • 0.25 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, kalamata olives, bell peppers, and minced garlic.
  • Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice over the vegetable mixture and add the dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until everything is well coated.
  • In a large baking dish, arrange the chicken thighs skin side up. Pour the vegetable mixture around the chicken.
  • Sprinkle lemon zest over the chicken and vegetables.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C) and the skin is crispy.
  • Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top.
  • Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley. Serve warm.

Notes

Allow the dish to rest before serving for better flavor.
Keyword bake, chicken, healthy, Mediterranean