Mediterranean Baked Chicken Dinner

Bysavvychicken

Introduction:

Elevate your weeknight dinners with this Mediterranean Baked Chicken recipe. This dish is bursting with vibrant flavors, combining tender chicken with an array of Mediterranean ingredients like olives, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s simple to prepare and even easier to clean up, making it perfect for busy evenings.

Ingredients:

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
  • 1 red onion, sliced
  • 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Preparing the Chicken:

  1. Preheat Oven:
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  1. Season the Chicken:
  • Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  1. Sear the Chicken:
  • In a large ovenproof skillet or baking dish, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Assembling the Dish:

  1. Add Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • In the same skillet, add the cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, sliced red onion, lemon rounds, and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
  1. Season and Add Chicken:
  • Sprinkle the oregano and thyme over the vegetable mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up.

Baking:

  1. Bake:
  • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Finishing Touches:

  1. Add Feta and Garnish:
  • Once out of the oven, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the chicken and vegetables. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Serving Suggestions:

  • With Rice or Couscous: Serve the Mediterranean baked chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or couscous to soak up the delicious juices.
  • With Crusty Bread: Enjoy with a side of crusty bread to mop up the flavorful sauce.
  • With a Fresh Salad: Pair with a fresh Greek salad or a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon for a light and balanced meal.

Tips for Perfect Mediterranean Baked Chicken:

  • Choose the Right Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide the best flavor and texture for this dish.
  • Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the chicken thighs before baking helps to lock in the juices and gives the skin a beautiful golden color.
  • Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh herbs on hand, use them instead of dried for an even more vibrant flavor.

Conclusion:

This Mediterranean Baked Chicken Dinner is a delicious, healthy, and easy meal that brings the bold flavors of the Mediterranean to your kitchen. With minimal prep and cleanup, it’s an ideal recipe for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining. The combination of juicy chicken, tangy olives, sweet tomatoes, and aromatic herbs creates a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this Mediterranean delight that’s as nourishing as it is flavorful!

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