If you’re craving a vibrant and flavorful dinner that transports you straight to the sunny Mediterranean coast, this Baked Greek Chicken with Feta, Tomatoes, and Olives Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a beautiful blend of juicy chicken breasts, tangy feta cheese, plump tomatoes, and briny olives, all baked to perfection so the flavors mingle effortlessly. The lemon and herbs add that signature Greek brightness, creating a dish that’s not only delicious but wonderfully simple to throw together on any weeknight or for guests. Every bite feels like a warm hug from Greece’s culinary treasures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a pantry full of complicated ingredients to pull off this delightful dish. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s building layers of flavor, adding fresh brightness, or bringing a pop of color to the plate.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, tender and perfect for soaking up the marinade’s flavors.
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps everything roast beautifully without sticking.
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice: Brings a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness of the feta and chicken.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: Deepens the marinade with a subtle sweetness and acidity.
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano: Classic Greek herb that infuses a herbaceous earthiness.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic: Gives a pungent kick and aromatic warmth.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Just enough to enhance all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a gentle spiciness.
- 1 cup halved grape tomatoes: Juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese: Salty and creamy, a quintessential Greek finish.
- ½ cup sliced red onion: Sharp and slightly sweet crunch that contrasts the softness of the chicken.
- ¼ cup kalamata olives (pitted): Briny and savory, completing the Greek flavor profile.
- ½ lemon (cut into thin slices): Adds a fresh lemony aroma and decorative touch on top.
How to Make Baked Greek Chicken with Feta, Tomatoes, and Olives Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent anything from sticking and to make cleanup easier. This simple start ensures the chicken will cook evenly without any fuss.
Step 2: Arrange the Chicken
Place the four boneless, skinless chicken breasts into your prepared baking dish. Letting the chicken rest in the dish before adding the marinade sets the stage for those amazing flavors.
Step 3: Make the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, minced garlic, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. This marinade is where the magic happens—balancing acidity, herbaceous notes, and subtle spice to coat the chicken perfectly.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Pour the marinade over the chicken breasts evenly, ensuring each piece is well covered. This soaking step locks in moisture and infuses the chicken with those signature Greek flavors while baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. This slow baking allows the meat to remain juicy and tender with a lightly caramelized top.
Step 6: Add the Fresh Toppings
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, remove the dish from the oven. Then gently arrange the grape tomatoes, crumbled feta, red onion slices, kalamata olives, and thin lemon slices around and atop the chicken breasts. These ingredients don’t need additional cooking; their freshness shines alongside the warm chicken.
Step 7: Serve Hot and Enjoy!
Serve your Baked Greek Chicken with Feta, Tomatoes, and Olives Recipe immediately while the chicken is warm and the toppings are vibrant. This dish is both beautiful and bursting with flavor from the first bite to the last.
How to Serve Baked Greek Chicken with Feta, Tomatoes, and Olives Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of authenticity and beauty, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or a few torn mint leaves over the dish just before serving. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add a lovely glossy finish and mild heat that perfectly complements the recipe’s flavors.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides like fluffy couscous, warm pita bread, or a crisp Greek salad with cucumbers and red onions. Roasted or steamed green beans and lemon garlic potatoes also make fantastic companions, rounding out the meal with more Mediterranean flair.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive presentation, serve the chicken on a rustic wooden board with the toppings arranged artistically, allowing guests to pick and choose their favorites. Alternatively, plating individual portions with a wedge of lemon and sprigs of fresh oregano adds a restaurant-quality look to your home-cooked meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers of this delightful Baked Greek Chicken with Feta, Tomatoes, and Olives Recipe, pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate. The chicken will stay juicy and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken and toppings separately. Place them in airtight freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for optimal texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F, covered loosely with foil to keep moisture in, until warmed through—about 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the chicken may dry out. The vibrant toppings can be added fresh after reheating for the best flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay juicy thanks to their higher fat content. Just adjust the cooking time slightly—thighs may need a few extra minutes to reach 165°F internally.
Is it necessary to add balsamic vinegar?
The balsamic vinegar brings a subtle depth and sweetness that balances the lemony and salty elements, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can skip it or substitute with red wine vinegar for a different but still tasty flavor profile.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it focuses on fresh ingredients without any breading or sauces containing gluten. Just be sure all your pantry staples like vinegar and olives are certified gluten-free if you have sensitivity.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade or scatter thin slices of fresh chili peppers over the dish before baking. You could also serve it with a spicy yogurt sauce on the side.
What’s the best wine pairing with this dish?
A crisp white wine with good acidity like a Sauvignon Blanc or Assyrtiko pairs beautifully, as it complements the lemon and feta while balancing the savory notes from the olives and oregano in the Baked Greek Chicken with Feta, Tomatoes, and Olives Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Give this Baked Greek Chicken with Feta, Tomatoes, and Olives Recipe a try and let it become your go-to recipe for when you want something healthy, tasty, and effortlessly elegant. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy classic Greek flavors without any complicated steps, and the fresh ingredients really make it shine. Once you make it, I promise it will become one of your favorites to share with family and friends, guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfied appetites!
