Chicken Mediterranean
A flavorful Mediterranean chicken and potato bake with lemon, garlic, olives, and herbs, perfect for a hearty and aromatic family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 4 to 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves ⓘ
- 3 to 4 large potatoes unpeeled, quartered ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1/4 c. fresh lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves ⓘ
- 2 to 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1/4 c. chopped scallions
- salt and freshly ground pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1/4 c. Kalamata or other black olives ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced mushrooms ⓘ
Instructions
- Place the chicken and potatoes in an ovenproof casserole.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Sprinkle with rosemary, garlic, scallions, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Bake, covered, in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 30 minutes.
- Add the olives and mushrooms.
- Bake an additional 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken and potatoes overnight. You can substitute fresh rosemary with dried if needed, though the flavor will be less intense. If you prefer a creamier dish, add a splash of cream or yogurt before serving. For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with hearty vegetables like eggplant or zucchini.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Mediterranean with a side of Mediterranean recipes like Spinach, Rice And Bell Pepper Salad or a fresh Tomato Bean Salad for a well-rounded meal. Garnish with additional lemon wedges and fresh herbs to enhance the flavors. A chilled glass of white wine pairs beautifully with this dish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture, especially for potatoes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Mediterranean contains roughly 434 calories, with 5g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (27% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1189mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
While it's best to use fresh chicken for optimal flavor, you can use frozen chicken if it's defrosted completely before marinating. Ensure it’s fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure safety.
What can I substitute for olives if I'm not a fan?
If you're not a fan of olives, consider using capers for a similar briny flavor. Alternatively, you can add extra vegetables like sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts to enhance the dish without the olive taste.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate red pepper flakes into the marinade or add sliced jalapeños or fresh chili peppers along with the olives and mushrooms. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).