Say hello to the Mediterranean Herb Chicken — a dish that brings the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen. With a delightful blend of herbs, tangy olives, and creamy feta cheese, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
The hero of this dish is the chicken breasts — a blank canvas ready to soak up all those delicious flavors. The olive oil acts as a base for the marinade, helping the chicken stay juicy while adding richness. Lemon juice brightens everything up, cutting through the richness with a bit of tang. Garlic, as always, brings its classic, hearty flavor.
Now for the herbs: rosemary, thyme, and oregano — these fresh herbs are the pillars of Mediterranean cooking, each contributing its unique aroma and flavor. Salt and black pepper season the chicken perfectly.
Kalamata olives offer a salty, briny punch, while sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of concentrated sweetness. Finally, feta cheese brings a creamy, tangy finish, and fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness at the end.
This Mediterranean Herb Chicken pairs wonderfully with a light couscous salad or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside buttery mashed potatoes or a simple pilaf. A glass of crisp white wine would complement the flavors beautifully.
First, preheat your oven to 375°F. This will ensure it's nice and hot when you're ready to bake. While the oven is heating, grab a small bowl and whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. This mix is where all the magic starts — it's going to infuse the chicken with incredible flavor.
Next, place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour the herb mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Turn the chicken over a couple of times to ensure every nook and cranny is covered. This helps the chicken absorb all those flavors.
Scatter the kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken breasts. These ingredients will bake alongside the chicken, creating pockets of salty and sweet goodness that complement the herbs beautifully.
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You'll know it's done when the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. A kitchen thermometer is handy here; you're looking for an internal temperature of 165°F.
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley over the top. This extra step adds a lovely creaminess and freshness right before serving.