Mediterranean Lemony Garlic Chicken with Olives and Feta
Experience a burst of Mediterranean flavors with this exquisite Lemony Garlic Chicken. This dish features juicy, bone-in chicken breasts that are infused with the aromatic goodness of fresh garlic stuffed beneath the skin, ensuring every bite is a succulent delight. The addition of bright lemon slices and briny Kalamata olives transforms the simple chicken into a meal that's both refreshing and satisfying. Topped off with creamy crumbled feta cheese, this dish is not only visually stunning but also packed with wholesome ingredients. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, serve it alongside a fresh Greek salad or warm pita bread for a complete meal that celebrates the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean!
N/A
Servings
410
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken breasts
4 (bone-in)
fresh garlic cloves
8 (large, minced)
olive oil
4 (tablespoons, divided)
salt
to taste (seasoned salt recommended)
black pepper
to taste
dried oregano
2 (teaspoons)
lemons
4 (thinly sliced)
kalamata olives
20 (pitted, or to taste)
additional olive oil
1/4 (cup (optional))
feta cheese
1 (cup, crumbled (can use more))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
2
Prepare the garlic by slicing each clove into three thin slices.
3
Carefully lift the skin from each chicken breast, creating a pocket without detaching the skin. Stuff three garlic slices under the skin of each breast and gently reposition the skin.
4
Rub 1 tablespoon of olive oil over each breast, then sprinkle generously with seasoned salt, black pepper, and dried oregano, ensuring even seasoning.
5
Layer the bottom of the prepared baking dish with thinly sliced lemons to create a flavorful base for the chicken.
6
Place the chicken breasts on top of the lemon slices, arranging them evenly in the dish.
7
Sprinkle Kalamata olives generously around the chicken in the baking dish for added flavor.
8
For extra richness, drizzle some additional olive oil over the chicken and olives if desired, but this step is optional.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear.
10
Once cooked, remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the hot chicken to allow it to slightly melt and enhance the flavors.
Nutrition Information
26.5g
Fat
3g
Carbs
32.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is Mediterranean Lemony Garlic Chicken with Olives and Feta.
What type of chicken is recommended for this recipe?
This recipe calls for 4 bone-in chicken breasts.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How do I prepare the garlic for the chicken?
Each large garlic clove should be sliced into three thin slices.
Where is the garlic placed during preparation?
The garlic slices are stuffed under the skin of each chicken breast.
How many lemons are needed for this dish?
You will need 4 lemons, which should be thinly sliced.
What seasonings are used on the chicken?
The chicken is seasoned with seasoned salt, black pepper, and 2 teaspoons of dried oregano.
What kind of olives are used in this Mediterranean dish?
The recipe uses 20 pitted Kalamata olives.
How much olive oil is rubbed onto each chicken breast?
One tablespoon of olive oil is rubbed over each chicken breast.
What size baking dish is required?
A 13 x 9-inch baking dish is used.
What should be placed at the bottom of the baking dish?
Thinly sliced lemons are layered at the bottom to create a flavorful base.
How long should the chicken bake?
The chicken should bake for approximately 40 minutes.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
When is the feta cheese added to the dish?
The crumbled feta cheese is sprinkled over the chicken immediately after it is removed from the oven.
How much feta cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese, though you can use more.
What are the calorie counts for this recipe?
There are 410 calories per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
The dish contains 3 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the fat content of this meal?
The fat content is 26.5 grams per serving.
How much protein does this chicken dish provide?
Each serving provides 32.5 grams of protein.
Is there an optional ingredient mentioned?
Yes, an additional 1/4 cup of olive oil can be drizzled over the chicken and olives for extra richness.
What should I serve with this Mediterranean chicken?
It is recommended to serve it with a fresh Greek salad or warm pita bread.
How many garlic cloves are used in total?
The recipe uses 8 large garlic cloves.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, the 13 x 9-inch baking dish should be greased before use.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
The juices should run clear and the internal temperature must reach 165°F.
Can I use different types of olives?
While Kalamata is recommended for authentic Mediterranean flavor, you can use other types to taste.
How is the olive oil divided?
The 4 tablespoons are divided, with 1 tablespoon used per chicken breast.
What is the role of the lemon slices in the baking dish?
They create a base for the chicken and infuse it with flavor from below.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe for baked chicken.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients listed.
What is the texture of the chicken skin after stuffing?
The instructions recommend repositioning the skin after stuffing to ensure the garlic remains inside while baking.