Description
Savor Mediterranean magic with this soul-warming chicken recipe that blends zesty herbs, succulent meat, and rich olive oil flavors. Herb-infused chicken delivers a delightful journey through Mediterranean cuisine you can effortlessly recreate at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 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
Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking together fragrant olive oil, bright lemon juice, zesty citrus zest, minced garlic, and aromatic Mediterranean spices in a mixing bowl.
- Thoroughly coat the chicken pieces with the marinade, ensuring each surface is generously covered. Allow the meat to absorb the flavors for a minimum of 15 minutes, or ideally refrigerate overnight for an intensified taste profile.
- Preheat a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling cooking surface.
- Carefully place the marinated chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each piece to develop a golden-brown exterior. Cook methodically, turning once, until the chicken is completely cooked through and reaches a perfect internal temperature.
- Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest momentarily to seal in the juices.
- Artfully arrange the cooked chicken on a serving platter, creating an inviting Mediterranean-inspired presentation.
- Generously scatter crumbled feta cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and a handful of freshly chopped parsley across the top of the chicken.
- Accompany the dish with your choice of complementary sides such as fluffy couscous, fragrant rice, or warm, pillowy pita bread to complete the culinary experience.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for maximum flavor by letting it sit overnight in the refrigerator, allowing herbs and spices to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option, or swap with chicken thighs for a more succulent texture.
- For a gluten-free version, replace couscous with quinoa or cauliflower rice, ensuring everyone can enjoy this Mediterranean-inspired dish.
- Enhance the dish’s freshness by using freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest, which adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg