Baked Greek Chicken

$- 4 boneless chicken thighs - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 lemon (zested and juiced) - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 red onion, sliced - 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) For my Baked Greek Chicken, I want to keep things simple and fresh. This dish bursts with flavor thanks to the herbs and lemon. The chicken thighs keep the meat juicy as they bake. I love using boneless thighs to make cooking easy and quick. The olive oil adds a rich taste while helping the chicken brown perfectly. Oregano and thyme bring out that classic Greek flavor. Zesty lemon and minced garlic give it a bright kick. I use cherry tomatoes for their sweetness and color. They also add moisture while baking. Red onion slices give a nice crunch and a hint of sweetness. Kalamata olives add a salty punch that pairs well with the chicken and veggies. Finally, fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds a pop of color. This combination makes a beautiful meal. You can find the full recipe to create this lovely dish. Enjoy your cooking! - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - In a bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, the zest and juice of 1 lemon, 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. This mix creates a tasty marinade. - Take 4 boneless chicken thighs and coat them well in the marinade. - Marinate for at least 30 minutes. You can also let it sit for up to 2 hours in the fridge. This time helps the chicken soak up all the great flavors. - After marinating, place the chicken thighs in a baking dish. - Arrange 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 sliced red onion around the chicken. Then, scatter 1 cup of pitted and sliced Kalamata olives on top. - Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden around the edges. - Once done, let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy. - If you want, you can garnish with fresh parsley for a nice touch before serving. For a full recipe, check out the details above! Marinating chicken makes it more tasty. Use a mix of olive oil, herbs, and spices. The best time to marinate is at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, let it sit for up to 2 hours. This helps the flavors get deep into the chicken. Make sure your chicken reaches the right temperature. Cook it until the inside is 165°F (74°C). This keeps the chicken safe to eat. To bake evenly, place the chicken in a single layer. Avoid crowding the pan. This way, every piece gets heat. Serve your Baked Greek Chicken on a big platter. This looks nice and makes it easy to share. Add a drizzle of extra olive oil for shine. You can also sprinkle some feta cheese on top for a rich flavor. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and taste. For more details, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Try using boneless chicken breasts or even fish like salmon for a fresh twist. If you want a vegetarian option, use firm tofu or chickpeas. For vegetables, consider using zucchini, bell peppers, or artichokes instead of red onion or cherry tomatoes. They will add a unique flavor and texture. When it comes to herbs, you can replace dried oregano with fresh basil or dill. Thyme can be swapped with rosemary for a different taste. If you need gluten-free options, this recipe is already a great choice. Just make sure any added ingredients are gluten-free. For dairy-free options, skip the feta cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. If you are counting calories, you can use less olive oil or choose skinless chicken. For a lighter meal, serve it with a large salad instead of bread. To boost the Mediterranean flavor, add feta cheese before serving. It melts slightly and adds creaminess. Capers also work well for a salty kick. You could also squeeze a little extra lemon juice on top for brightness. Fresh herbs like mint or dill can enhance the dish's fresh taste. For the full recipe, check out the details above! To store leftover Baked Greek Chicken, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the chicken cools down before sealing. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps maintain its flavor and texture. Freezing is a great option if you cannot eat it right away. To freeze, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place it in a freezer bag or container. You can store it in the freezer for up to three months. This keeps the chicken safe and tasty. To reheat without drying out the chicken, use the oven or stovetop. For the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish with a splash of water or broth. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. On the stovetop, warm it in a skillet over low heat. Add a little liquid as needed. This keeps your chicken juicy and delicious. The best sides for Baked Greek Chicken are simple. You can serve it with: - Rice pilaf - Greek salad - Roasted vegetables - Pita bread - Tzatziki sauce These sides add fresh flavors and balance the meal. Rice pilaf brings a nice texture. Greek salad adds crunch and zest. Roasted veggies offer sweetness. Pita bread is great for dipping. Tzatziki sauce cools down the dish. Choose what you love! Yes, you can use bone-in chicken. It will take longer to cook. Adjust your baking time to about 40-45 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Bone-in chicken adds more flavor from the bones. Just remember to check it often! Check the chicken's internal temperature. It should be 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear, not pink. The meat should look firm and slightly golden. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. This ensures safe eating and juicy chicken. You can still make Baked Greek Chicken with what you have. If you lack olives, use capers or skip them. No fresh herbs? Use dried ones instead. Lemon juice can be swapped with vinegar. Be creative! Adjust flavors to match your taste. Yes, you can prepare Baked Greek Chicken ahead. Marinate the chicken and store it in the fridge. It can sit for up to two hours. Bake it when you are ready. You can also cook it and reheat later. Just follow the reheating tips for best results. This blog post covered a delicious Baked Greek Chicken recipe. We explored the fresh ingredients, marinating tips, and baking steps. You learned how to enhance flavor and present the dish beautifully. Remember, marinating boosts taste, and storage tips help keep leftovers fresh. Feel free to adapt the recipe for different diets or preferences. Cooking should be fun, so don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors. Enjoy creating this tasty dish and sharing it with family or friends!$

Savor the delicious flavors of the Mediterranean with this Herb-Infused Baked Greek Chicken recipe! Juicy chicken thighs are marinated in olive oil, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon, then baked with vibrant cherry tomatoes, red onion, and Kalamata olives for a wholesome meal everyone will love. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring a taste of Greece to your dinner table!

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Ingredients

4 boneless chicken thighs

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 lemon (zested and juiced)

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 red onion, sliced

1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, oregano, thyme, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. This will be your marinade.

Place the chicken thighs in a large baking dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they're well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge for enhanced flavor).

After marinating, arrange the cherry tomatoes and sliced red onion around the chicken in the baking dish. Scatter the Kalamata olives on top of the chicken and vegetables.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C) and the edges are slightly golden.

Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before plating.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken and vegetables on a large serving platter, drizzle with additional olive oil, and sprinkle with feta cheese if desired for an extra touch of Greek flavor.