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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced - 1 red onion, cut into wedges - 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste For this dish, chicken breasts are your main protein. They soak up the flavors well. Fresh vegetables add color and taste. Cherry tomatoes burst with juice, while bell peppers bring sweetness. Red onion adds a nice crunch. Kalamata olives give a briny kick that balances the meal. You’ll make a simple marinade. It includes olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and smoked paprika. These ingredients bring the Mediterranean vibe to your kitchen. Use salt and pepper to taste. - Fresh parsley - Extra olive oil for drizzling Fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds color. A drizzle of olive oil enhances the flavor and richness. You can add these garnishes just before serving. They make your meal look and taste even better. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, we need to marinate the chicken. This step is key for flavor. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. These ingredients create a tasty marinade. Next, place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or bowl. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken. Make sure each piece is coated well. For best results, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate overnight in the fridge. This adds even more flavor to the chicken. While the chicken is soaking up those flavors, let’s prep the veggies. Start by chopping the cherry tomatoes, red and yellow bell peppers, and red onion. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. This helps the veggies cook evenly. In a separate bowl, toss the chopped vegetables and Kalamata olives with the remaining marinade. Make sure all the pieces are coated. This will bring out their sweetness when roasted. Now it's time to bake! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. This makes clean-up easy. After preheating, place the marinated chicken on one side of the pan. Spread the vegetable mixture on the other side. Bake everything for 25-30 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The veggies should be tender and flavorful. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing the chicken. This keeps it juicy. Now you’re ready to serve! Balancing Flavors To make the best marinade, you want to balance your flavors. Use olive oil for richness and lemon juice for brightness. This combo brings out the best in the chicken. Add garlic for depth and herbs like oregano for freshness. Smoked paprika adds a nice touch of warmth. Marinating Duration Marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it sit overnight. This helps the flavors soak in deeply. Just remember, longer marinating can enhance the taste. Ensuring Even Cooking To cook evenly, arrange the chicken and veggies well on the sheet pan. This allows hot air to circulate. Keep some space between the chicken and vegetables. It helps them cook without steaming. Checking for Doneness Check the chicken's doneness with a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part. The meat should be white, not pink. Serving Suggestions You can serve this dish straight from the sheet pan. It has a rustic charm and makes for easy cleanup. For a more formal look, plate the chicken and veggies separately. Drizzle with extra olive oil and sprinkle fresh herbs on top. Rustic vs. Plated Presentation Rustic presentation is fun and casual. Plated looks fancy and elegant. Choose what fits your meal vibe. Either way, this dish looks great! Pro Tips Marinate for Flavor: Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight will enhance its flavor and tenderness. Use Fresh Herbs: For added freshness, consider garnishing with fresh basil or mint along with parsley. Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure there’s enough space between the chicken and vegetables for even roasting. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety. {{image_2}} Alternative Proteins You can swap chicken for other proteins. Try using turkey breasts or firm tofu. Both options work well with the marinade and roasting method. If you like seafood, salmon or shrimp are also great choices. Different Vegetables to Use Feel free to mix up the veggies. Zucchini, eggplant, or asparagus add nice flavors. You can also use artichoke hearts or baby potatoes for a heartier meal. Just remember to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. Gluten-Free Options This dish is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that any added ingredients, like olives, are gluten-free too. Look for brands that specify gluten-free on their labels. Vegan Adaptations To make this meal vegan, replace chicken with chickpeas or tempeh. Both options soak up flavors well. Use the same marinade and roast them with the veggies. You can enjoy a hearty, plant-based meal that everyone will love. Spicing it Up with Different Herbs Get creative with herbs. Fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary can change the taste. You can even try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Just remember to adjust the amount based on your spice preference. Using Citrus Zests for Extra Freshness Citrus zests can brighten the dish. Try adding lemon or orange zest to the marinade. It gives a fresh twist that enhances the overall flavor. Zests add a nice aroma when roasting too, making your kitchen smell amazing! - Use airtight containers to keep your chicken fresh. - Glass or plastic containers work well. - Let the chicken cool before sealing. - Store in the fridge for up to four days. - For best results, use the oven. - Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Warm the chicken for about 10-15 minutes. - If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. - Cover with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. - Freeze leftovers in airtight bags or containers. - Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. - Label with the date for easy tracking. - Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results. - Avoid refreezing after thawing to keep flavors intact. For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinating overnight really enhances the taste. The longer it sits, the more the chicken absorbs the marinade's rich flavors. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Marinate the chicken and store it in the fridge. You can also chop the vegetables a day early. When ready to cook, just spread everything on the sheet pan and bake. Mediterranean chicken shines with fresh sides. Here are some great options: - Couscous with herbs - Quinoa salad with cucumbers - Steamed green beans - Tabbouleh for a fresh touch These sides will complement the dish and add more flavor. This article guides you on making a tasty Mediterranean chicken dish. We covered key ingredients and how to prep the chicken and veggies. I shared tips for perfect marinating, cooking, and presentation. Explore variations for dietary needs and flavor profiles. To keep leftovers fresh, I discussed storage and reheating. Now, you have the tools to create a delicious meal that fits your taste. Enjoy cooking and impressing your family and friends with this easy recipe!

Mediterranean Marvel Chicken

A delicious chicken dish with Mediterranean flavors, featuring roasted vegetables and olives.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 piece red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 piece yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 piece red onion, cut into wedges
  • 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
  • In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to form a marinade.
  • Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or bowl and pour half of the marinade over the chicken. Ensure each breast is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge for extra flavor).
  • While the chicken is marinating, prepare the vegetables. In a separate bowl, toss the cherry tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, red onion wedges, and Kalamata olives with the remaining marinade until well coated.
  • Arrange the marinated chicken breasts on one side of the sheet pan and spread the vegetable mixture on the other side.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C) and the vegetables are tender.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let the sheet pan rest for 5 minutes before slicing the chicken.
  • Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Serve directly from the sheet pan for a rustic look, or plate the chicken alongside a generous scoop of the roasted vegetables, finishing with a drizzle of additional olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Keyword chicken, healthy, Mediterranean, roasted vegetables