Mediterranean Lemon-Kalamata Chicken Bake
Indulge in a vibrant Mediterranean culinary experience with this Mediterranean Lemon-Kalamata Chicken Bake. Perfectly-seasoned boneless chicken thighs are seared to a golden brown, then combined with al dente orzo pasta, tangy kalamata olives, and fresh lemon for a delightful burst of flavor. As it bakes in the oven, the cohesive aromas of lemon and herbs create a comforting dish that pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or your favorite vegetable sides. Ideal for both weeknight dinners and entertaining, this dish promises to leave your taste buds singing with joy!
N/A
Servings
215
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 lb (trimmed)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for browning)
dried orzo pasta
2/3 cup (uncooked)
kalamata olives
1/2 cup (drained and pitted)
chicken broth
14 ounces (canned)
lemon
1/2 (cut into wedges or chunks)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
Greek seasoning
1 teaspoon (all-purpose)
hot chicken broth
optional (for serving)
fresh oregano
optional (snipped for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a 4-quart Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the boneless chicken thighs and brown them for about 5 minutes, turning once to achieve a nice golden color.
3
Once browned, remove the chicken thighs temporarily. In the same pot, add the dried orzo pasta, drained kalamata olives, the entire can of chicken broth, lemon wedges, lemon juice, and Greek seasoning. Stir the mixture well.
4
Return the browned chicken thighs to the pot, nestling them in the orzo mix. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
5
Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 35 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
6
If desired, serve the dish in shallow bowls, topped with additional hot chicken broth for added flavor. Garnish with fresh snipped oregano for a fragrant finish.
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
15g
Carbs
14g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mediterranean Lemon-Kalamata Chicken Bake?
It is a vibrant Mediterranean dish featuring seasoned boneless chicken thighs, al dente orzo pasta, tangy kalamata olives, and fresh lemon.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
What type of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed.
How much olive oil is needed for browning?
You need 1 tablespoon of olive oil for browning the chicken.
What kind of pasta is included in the bake?
The recipe uses 2/3 cup of uncooked dried orzo pasta.
How long should the chicken thighs be browned?
The chicken should be browned for about 5 minutes, turning once to achieve a golden color.
What size pot is recommended for cooking?
A 4-quart Dutch oven is recommended.
How many kalamata olives are required?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of drained and pitted kalamata olives.
How much chicken broth is added to the pot for baking?
A 14-ounce can of chicken broth is used.
How should the lemon be prepared?
Half a lemon should be cut into wedges or chunks.
Is fresh lemon juice used?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What specific seasoning gives the dish its flavor?
One teaspoon of all-purpose Greek seasoning is used.
How much salt and pepper should be added?
Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
How long does the dish need to bake in the oven?
The dish bakes for 35 minutes while covered.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
What are the suggested garnishes for this dish?
Fresh snipped oregano is suggested for a fragrant finish.
Can extra broth be served with the dish?
Yes, optional hot chicken broth can be served in shallow bowls for added flavor.
How many calories are in a serving of this chicken bake?
Each serving contains 215 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 11g of fat per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving provides 14g of protein.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 15g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients, including optional garnishes.
Is the orzo cooked before being added to the pot?
No, the orzo is added to the pot uncooked.
What is the texture of the orzo in this dish?
The description describes the orzo as al dente.
Is the pot covered or uncovered during baking?
The pot should be covered during the 35-minute baking process.
What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
It pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or your favorite vegetable sides.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
What happens to the chicken after browning?
The chicken is temporarily removed, then returned to the pot to nestle in the orzo mix before baking.
What is the overall flavor profile of this bake?
The dish offers a tangy and fragrant profile with lemon, herbs, and kalamata olives.
Is this recipe suitable for entertaining guests?
Yes, the description states it is ideal for both weeknight dinners and entertaining.