Mediterranean Herb Chicken Bake
This Mediterranean Herb Chicken Bake is a delightful one-pan dish that combines tender chicken with the vibrant flavors of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a splash of dry white wine. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole offers a healthy twist on comfort food while showcasing the sun-kissed tastes of the Mediterranean. Serve it alongside steamed rice or your favorite seasonal vegetables for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Ideal for sharing with family and friends, this dish is sure to impress with its rich flavors and beautiful presentation.
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
yellow onion
1/2 (Chopped)
tomatoes
4 (Cut into small pieces)
green capsicum
1 (Halved, seeds removed, cut into eight pieces)
mushrooms
100g (Washed and halved)
olive oil
1 tablespoon
skinless chicken pieces
3-6 (On the bone (e.g., drumsticks, thighs) or diced into bite-sized pieces)
lemon thyme
2 sprigs
dry white wine
1/2 cup
black olives
6 (Pitted (optional))
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste (Freshly ground)
garlic clove
1 (Finely chopped)
basil
1 tablespoon (Finely sliced)
Instructions
1
Start by chopping the yellow onion and cutting the tomatoes into small pieces.
2
Halve the green capsicum, remove the seeds, and cut it into eight pieces.
3
Wash and halve the mushrooms to prepare them for cooking.
4
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown each side for about 1 minute until they are golden. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate.
5
In the same pan, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and lemon thyme. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes, allowing the onion to soften.
6
Next, add the chopped capsicum to the pan and stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes until slightly tender.
7
Incorporate the chopped tomatoes into the pan, mixing them well with the other ingredients. Then, pour in the dry white wine, add the halved mushrooms, and if desired, stir in the pitted black olives.
8
Return the browned chicken pieces to the pan, season the mixture lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
9
Cover the pan and let it cook for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through.
10
Just before serving, stir in the finely sliced basil to add a fresh aroma and flavor.
11
Serve the casserole hot, accompanied by steamed rice or your favorite vegetables.
Nutrition Information
6.7g
Fat
9.3g
Carbs
11.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mediterranean Herb Chicken Bake?
This is a one-pan dish featuring chicken, fresh vegetables like tomatoes and capsicum, aromatic herbs, and dry white wine, offering a healthy twist on Mediterranean comfort food.
How many calories are in this chicken bake?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
You can use skinless chicken pieces on the bone, such as drumsticks and thighs, or you can use chicken diced into bite-sized pieces.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The chicken is first browned for about 1 minute per side and then simmered with the vegetables for approximately 20 minutes.
Can I make this recipe without wine?
While the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of dry white wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth or water if you prefer to cook without alcohol.
What are the primary vegetables used?
The recipe includes yellow onion, tomatoes, green capsicum (bell pepper), and mushrooms.
Is the Mediterranean Herb Chicken Bake healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy twist on comfort food, featuring lean protein and several fresh vegetables with moderate fat content.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 11.7 grams of protein per serving.
What should I serve with this dish?
It is best served hot alongside steamed rice or your favorite seasonal vegetables.
How do I prepare the green capsicum?
The capsicum should be halved, the seeds removed, and then cut into eight even pieces.
Are black olives required for this recipe?
No, the pitted black olives are listed as an optional ingredient to be stirred in with the tomatoes and wine.
What kind of herbs are used for flavoring?
The dish uses fresh lemon thyme for cooking and finely sliced fresh basil to be stirred in just before serving.
Can I use red capsicum instead of green?
Yes, while the recipe specifies green capsicum, red or yellow capsicum can be used as a substitute.
What is the fat content of this meal?
The recipe contains 6.7 grams of fat per serving.
How should the mushrooms be prepared?
You should use 100g of mushrooms that have been washed and halved.
How many tomatoes do I need?
The recipe requires 4 tomatoes, which should be cut into small pieces.
What is the first step in cooking this bake?
The process begins by chopping the yellow onion and cutting the tomatoes into small pieces.
Do I need to peel the chicken?
The recipe specifies using skinless chicken pieces.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 9.3 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is garlic used in this recipe?
Yes, one finely chopped garlic clove is stir-fried with the onion and lemon thyme.
How long do I sauté the onion and garlic?
The chopped onion, garlic, and lemon thyme should be stir-fried for about 2 minutes until the onion softens.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
While fresh basil is recommended for the best aroma and flavor at the end, dried basil can be used in smaller quantities if fresh is unavailable.
What cooking oil is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The specific number of servings is not provided, but it is designed as a family meal using 3 to 6 pieces of chicken.
Does this recipe contain sodium?
The recipe includes salt to taste, but the specific sodium measurement per serving is not listed.
Is this a one-pan meal?
Yes, the entire dish is prepared in a single large saucepan, making it an easy-to-clean one-pan meal.
When do I add the fresh basil?
The finely sliced basil should be stirred in just before serving to preserve its fresh flavor.
Can I use dried thyme instead of lemon thyme?
Yes, you can substitute lemon thyme with regular dried thyme and a small squeeze of lemon juice.
What is the texture of the chicken after cooking?
The chicken becomes tender after being browned and then simmered for 20 minutes in the vegetable and wine mixture.
How much onion is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 of a yellow onion, chopped.