Baked Mediterranean Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes & Olives
Juicy baked chicken surrounded by sweet roasted tomatoes, briny olives, garlic, herbs, and a light lemony pan sauce. Simple enough for weeknights but elegant enough for guests.
Servings
4 servings
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
OR - 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Mediterranean Vegetables
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 4–5 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
- 2 tbsp capers (optional)
Sauce & Finish
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1/3 cup chicken broth or white wine
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley
- Fresh basil
- Crumbled feta
- Red pepper flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to:
- 220°C / 425°F
Lightly oil a baking dish or sheet pan.
2. Season the Chicken
Pat chicken dry.
Rub with:
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Oregano
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
Let sit:
- 10–15 minutes if possible.
3. Build the Pan
Add to baking dish:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red onion
- Garlic
- Olives
- Capers
Drizzle with olive oil.
Season lightly with:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Thyme
Pour in:
- Chicken broth or wine
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
Mix gently.
4. Add Chicken
Nestle chicken into the vegetables.
For skin-on thighs:
- Keep skin facing upward.
5. Bake
Boneless Breasts
Bake:
- 20–25 minutes
Bone-In Thighs
Bake:
- 35–40 minutes
Chicken is done when internal temp reaches:
- 74°C / 165°F
6. Optional Broil Finish
Broil:
- 2–3 minutes
Until:
- Tomatoes blister
- Chicken edges brown slightly
7. Rest & Serve
Rest chicken:
- 5 minutes
Spoon pan juices over top.
Finish with:
- Fresh herbs
- Feta
- Extra lemon squeeze
Serving Ideas
Low-Carb
Serve with:
- Cauliflower rice
- Roasted zucchini
- Greek salad
Classic Mediterranean
Serve with:
- Rice pilaf
- Couscous
- Orzo
- Warm pita
High-Protein Bowl
Serve over:
- Quinoa
- Chickpeas
- Tzatziki
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
Varies by cut used.
Estimated:
- Calories: 320–450
- Protein: 30–38g
- Fat: 16–24g
- Carbs: 6–10g
Storage & Meal Prep
Fridge
- Up to 4 days
Reheat
Best in:
- Oven
- Covered skillet
The tomato-olive sauce becomes even better next day.
Delicious Variations
Creamy Mediterranean
Stir in:
- 2 tbsp cream cheese
OR - Splash of heavy cream
Spicy Version
Add:
- Calabrian chili paste
- Red pepper flakes
One-Pan Potato Version
Add:
- Baby potatoes
- Extra broth
Bake slightly longer.
Greek-Inspired
Add:
- Artichokes
- Feta
- Dill
