Mediterranean Chicken Dinner

Mediterranean Chicken Dinner captures the vibrant flavors and aromas of the Mediterranean coast. This dish stands out due to its succulent chicken, infused with the fresh taste of lemon, aromatic garlic, and delightful herbs. You can easily prepare it for family dinners, gatherings, or casual weeknight meals when you crave something comforting yet sophisticated. The balance of tender chicken and roasted vegetables makes it not only a feast for the eyes but also a satisfying meal.

Why Make Mediterranean Chicken Dinner

1. Ease of Preparation
2. This recipe requires minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights. You simply mix a few ingredients for the marinade, toss in your chicken and vegetables, and let the oven do the work.
3. Flavorful and Aromatic
4. The combination of garlic, oregano, and lemon juice brings a fresh and zesty taste that elevates the chicken. The roasted vegetables soak up the flavorful juices, making every bite delicious.
5. Cost-Effective
6. Mediterranean Chicken Dinner is budget-friendly. Chicken thighs and drumsticks are usually economical protein options, and the other ingredients are common household items.
7. Health Benefits
8. Packed with lean protein and nutritious vegetables, this dish promotes a healthy diet. The use of fresh ingredients adds essential vitamins and minerals to your meal.

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Dinner

Creating the perfect Mediterranean Chicken Dinner involves marinating chicken pieces in a delightful mix of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. This blend not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses it with rich flavors that define Mediterranean cuisine. While the chicken marinates, you can prepare your vegetables, ensuring they soak up all the fantastic flavors during cooking.

Once everything is prepped, you’ll place the chicken and veggies in a baking pan. Pour over some low-sodium chicken broth to keep it moist. With a quick bake, the aromas will start filling your kitchen, making it hard to resist. This technique imparts a golden-brown finish to the chicken while perfectly cooking the potatoes and onions.

Ingredients

• For the chicken:
• 1 kg / 2 lb bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks (Note 1)
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) lemon juice
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional – Note 2)
• 2 tbsp honey or 1 tbsp sugar (or maple or other sweetener)
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1.5 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp EACH salt and pepper
• For the vegetables:
• 5 smallish potatoes (7.5 cm/3″ wide), quartered (Note 3)
• 2 red onions, quartered
• 1 cup (250 ml) chicken broth/stock, low sodium
• 250 g / 8 oz cherry tomatoes, whole
• 1/2 tsp EACH salt and pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or oil spray)
• Fresh oregano, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Mix marinade ingredients in a bowl, then add chicken and toss to coat. If time permits, marinate for 24 hours; otherwise, proceed to the next step.
2. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
3. Place the potatoes and onions in a baking pan, then top with chicken.
4. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken, followed by the marinade from the bowl.
5. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven.
6. Scatter cherry tomatoes over the chicken and drizzle everything with 1 tbsp of olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
7. Bake for a further 30-35 minutes until the chicken is golden and the potatoes are cooked through.
8. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh oregano if using, and serve!

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Dinner

Serve Mediterranean Chicken Dinner hot from the oven for maximum flavor. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a refreshing tabbouleh. To elevate the dining experience, consider a light herbal tea or sparkling water with lemon as a beverage. For presentation, arrange the chicken and vegetables on a large platter, garnishing with fresh herbs for a splash of color.

How to Store Mediterranean Chicken Dinner

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it for a longer time, freeze it in suitable containers for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy again, reheat in the oven at a low temperature to preserve tenderness, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.

Tips to Make Mediterranean Chicken Dinner

1. Ingredient Substitutions: You can swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer leaner meat, though they may require less cooking time.
2. Troubleshooting: If the chicken doesn’t brown perfectly, try increasing the oven temperature for the final few minutes of cooking.
3. Time-Saver: Prepare the marinade and chop your vegetables a day ahead for a quick weeknight meal.
4. Quality Improvements: Use fresh herbs for a more vibrant flavor. Dried herbs work but fresh varieties offer depth.
5. Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of honey or sugar to suit your taste.

Variations

1. Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the marinade for an aromatic twist.
2. Spicy Mediterranean Chicken: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for heat.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, boneless chicken cooks faster, so reduce the baking time by about 10-15 minutes.

What if I don’t have lemon juice?

You can use vinegar or zest from a lemon for a similar tangy flavor.

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Absolutely! Marinating overnight intensifies the flavors and creates a juicier chicken.

Mediterranean Chicken Dinner

3

A flavorful and aromatic chicken dish infused with lemon, garlic, and herbs, paired with roasted vegetables, perfect for family dinners or casual weeknight meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

For the chicken

• 1 kg bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks Note 1
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard optional – Note 2
• 2 tbsp honey or sugar or maple or other sweetener
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1.5 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

For the vegetables

• 5 pieces smallish potatoes, quartered Note 3
• 2 pieces red onions, quartered
• 1 cup chicken broth/stock, low sodium
• 250 g cherry tomatoes, whole
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil or oil spray
• Fresh oregano, for garnish optional

Method

 

Preparation

1. Mix marinade ingredients in a bowl, then add chicken and toss to coat. If time permits, marinate for 24 hours; otherwise, proceed to the next step.
2. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
3. Place the potatoes and onions in a baking pan, then top with chicken.
4. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken, followed by the marinade from the bowl.

Cooking

1. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven.
2. Scatter cherry tomatoes over the chicken and drizzle everything with 1 tbsp of olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Bake for a further 30-35 minutes until the chicken is golden and the potatoes are cooked through.
4. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh oregano if using, and serve!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4g

Notes

Serve hot with a crisp green salad or crusty bread to soak up the juices. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.

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