Baked Greek Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 lemon (for zesting and juicing) - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon sea salt - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced - 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) To make Baked Greek Chicken, gather the ingredients first. Start with 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs. This cut of meat stays juicy and tender when baked. You will also need 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil for flavor and moisture. Next, you will want to use dried oregano and thyme for that classic Greek taste. Zest and juice one lemon to add brightness. Four cloves of minced garlic will give a lovely aroma. Don't forget sea salt and black pepper for seasoning. For the veggies, grab 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced. These add color and taste. Finally, use 1 cup of pitted and sliced Kalamata olives for a salty kick. Finish with fresh parsley to garnish the dish. These ingredients come together to create a flavorful and easy dinner option. If you want to see how to use them, check the Full Recipe for detailed steps. - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, oregano, thyme, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined. - Coat the chicken thighs in the marinade, making sure every piece is covered. - Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, you can refrigerate it for up to 2 hours. - Arrange cherry tomatoes and red onion slices around the chicken in the baking dish. - Scatter Kalamata olives over the chicken and vegetables. - Put the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The chicken should be done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and has a golden color. These steps will help you make a flavorful Baked Greek Chicken that pleases everyone. For the complete recipe, be sure to check the Full Recipe section! To bring out the best in your Baked Greek Chicken, use fresh herbs. Fresh oregano and parsley add depth. You can also adjust marinating time for stronger tastes. Marinating for a few hours makes a big difference. Ensure even cooking by spacing the chicken and veggies in the dish. This helps everything cook nicely. Keep an eye on the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. Serving is just as important as cooking. Use a rustic platter for a beautiful display. Drizzle with olive oil for a shiny look. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese and lemon wedges for color and flavor. This makes your dish pop and taste even better! {{image_4}} You can easily change this recipe to suit your taste. For a briny kick, add capers. They lend a unique salty flavor that pairs well with the chicken. If you prefer different cuts of meat, swap chicken thighs for breasts or drumsticks. This will give you a new texture and flavor profile while keeping the dish simple. When serving Baked Greek Chicken, consider pairing it with a fresh Greek salad. The crisp veggies and tangy dressing balance the rich flavors of the chicken. Rice pilaf also makes a great side. It absorbs the tasty juices from the chicken. For a complete meal, serve warm pita bread alongside. It’s perfect for scooping up every bit of goodness. If you need a gluten-free meal, check the oil and toppings. Ensure they are free from gluten. You can also adjust for low sodium. Reduce salt and olives to make it heart-friendly. This way, you can enjoy Baked Greek Chicken without worry, while still savoring its deliciousness. Keep any leftover Baked Greek Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps keep it fresh. Consume the leftovers within 3-4 days for the best quality. Otherwise, the taste and texture may suffer. You can freeze the Baked Greek Chicken for later. Freeze it in portions for easy meal prep. This makes it simple to grab a meal when you are short on time. To enjoy your frozen chicken, thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating. This way, it stays juicy and tasty. For the best results, reheat your chicken in the oven. This method helps keep the chicken crispy. If you need a quicker option, you can microwave it on low power. This method is convenient but may not keep the same texture. I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to soak into the meat. If you have more time, marinate it for up to 2 hours in the fridge. This longer time makes the chicken even more tasty and juicy. Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. Bone-in chicken usually takes longer to cook. Aim for about 40 to 45 minutes in the oven. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C). Many sides go well with Baked Greek Chicken. Here are a few ideas: - Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese - Lemon rice or rice pilaf for a hearty touch - Roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers - Warm pita bread for a nice dip in the juices To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear, and the meat should not be pink. This recipe for Baked Greek Chicken blends tasty ingredients and simple steps. You learned how to marinate chicken and bake it with fresh veggies. The tips on flavor and presentation help you create a dish that looks great and tastes even better. You can adjust this meal to fit your needs. Try different chicken cuts or add your favorite sides. Storing leftovers is easy, making this dish a great choice for busy days. Enjoy your cooking adventure and impress your family with this delicious meal!$

Savor the delicious flavors of the Mediterranean with this Herb-Infused Baked Greek Chicken recipe! This simple dish features tender chicken coated in a zesty marinade, complemented by cherry tomatoes, olives, and red onions. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s easy to make and packed with fresh ingredients.

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Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 teaspoons dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 lemon (for zesting and juicing)

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon sea salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 medium red onion, thinly sliced

1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for baking.

In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, dried oregano, dried thyme, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add the minced garlic, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk together until well blended, creating a fragrant marinade.

Place the chicken thighs in a large baking dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let it marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. For a more intense flavor, consider refrigerating for up to 2 hours.

After marinating, arrange the halved cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced red onion evenly around the chicken in the baking dish. Scatter the sliced Kalamata olives generously atop the chicken and vegetables for extra flavor.

Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), with the edges turning a lovely golden brown.

Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes. This will help to retain the juices and keep the chicken tender.

Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a vibrant touch.

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

- Presentation Tips: For a beautiful presentation, serve the chicken and vegetables on a large, rustic serving platter. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil for sheen, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for an authentic Greek flavor twist. Add lemon wedges on the side for an extra pop of color and freshness!