If you crave a meal that’s bursting with vibrant flavors, colorful veggies, and tender, juicy chicken, you are going to adore this Mediterranean Chicken with Roasted Vegetables and Feta Recipe. It’s a beautiful harmony of herbs, spices, fresh produce, and creamy feta cheese that makes every bite feel like a sunny getaway to the Mediterranean coast. This recipe effortlessly combines simplicity and sophistication, perfect for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekend dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this dish are wonderfully straightforward yet essential for creating that perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors. Each element plays an important role—from the succulent chicken to the crisp veggies and tangy feta.
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for extra juiciness, or breasts for a leaner option.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps the chicken and veggies roast to golden perfection.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings that classic Mediterranean herbal aroma and taste.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds warmth and a gentle smoky depth.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Intensifies the savory flavor without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors beautifully.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Offers a subtle spicy kick.
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced): Provides sweetness and vibrant red color.
- 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced): Adds a bright, sunny hue and crisp bite.
- 1 small red onion (sliced): Brings sharpness and slight sweetness when roasted.
- 1 zucchini (sliced): Supplies a tender texture and mild flavor.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes: Burst with juicy sweetness that complements the savory chicken.
- â…“ cup Kalamata olives (pitted and halved): Yields a salty, briny contrast to the dish.
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds creaminess and tangy richness that’s signature to Mediterranean cuisine.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Brightens every bite with a refreshing citrus zing.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Gives a fresh, herbal finish and lovely green color.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken with Roasted Vegetables and Feta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Seasoning Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, dried oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This aromatic blend will coat the chicken perfectly, infusing it with classic Mediterranean flavors.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs or breasts in a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the seasoning mixture over the chicken and toss or massage it in until every piece is evenly coated. This step is crucial for ensuring that each bite is flavorful and succulent.
Step 3: Arrange the Chicken and Vegetables
On a large baking dish or sheet pan, spread out the seasoned chicken along with the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Arranging everything in a single layer helps the chicken cook evenly while the vegetables roast to tender, caramelized perfection.
Step 4: Roast the Chicken and Vegetables
Place the baking dish in the oven and roast for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through and the vegetables are soft and slightly golden. This hands-off step allows the flavors to develop and mingle beautifully.
Step 5: Add Olives, Feta, and Finish
In the last 5 minutes of roasting, scatter the Kalamata olives over the dish and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top. This final touch adds that unmistakable Mediterranean tang and saltiness. Once done, drizzle fresh lemon juice over everything and garnish with chopped parsley for a vibrant, fresh finish.
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken with Roasted Vegetables and Feta Recipe
Garnishes
For a pop of color and explosive freshness, sprinkle additional chopped parsley or even fresh oregano leaves. A thin drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can elevate the dish’s richness just before serving. A lemon wedge on the side never hurts if someone prefers a bit more citrusy brightness.
Side Dishes
This Mediterranean Chicken with Roasted Vegetables and Feta Recipe pairs splendidly with fluffy couscous, warm pita bread, or even a light herbed quinoa salad. Rice works well, too, soaking up the flavorful juices and creating a hearty, balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual family dinner, serve everything directly from the baking dish for a rustic appeal. If you’re hosting friends, plate the chicken atop a bed of roasted vegetables, sprinkle feta and olives artfully, and add a garnish of fresh herbs for a restaurant-worthy presentation that’s as stunning as it is approachable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making it a fantastic meal to enjoy the next day without losing any taste or texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prep in advance. Wrap portions tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags and keep them frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F until heated through to maintain the perfect texture of both the chicken and veggies. Alternatively, use a microwave on medium power to avoid drying out the chicken, adding a splash of water if needed.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Mediterranean Chicken with Roasted Vegetables and Feta Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work just fine, especially if you prefer leaner cuts. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since breasts can dry out faster than thighs. Marinating the breasts can help keep them juicy.
What if I don’t have Kalamata olives? Can I substitute something else?
If Kalamata olives aren’t available, you can use black or green olives you have on hand. Just make sure to pit and halve them. Alternatively, capers make a great briny substitute that complements the flavors nicely.
Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes! This Mediterranean Chicken with Roasted Vegetables and Feta Recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t include any wheat-based ingredients. Just be mindful of any side dishes you serve alongside if you need to keep everything gluten-free.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can marinate the chicken in the seasoning mixture for up to 24 hours before cooking to boost the flavors. The veggies can be chopped and stored in the fridge to save time on the day you cook.
What can I add if I want to include more vegetables?
Feel free to customize your Mediterranean Chicken with Roasted Vegetables and Feta Recipe by adding vegetables like eggplant, artichoke hearts, or mushrooms. Just keep in mind the roasting time and cut vegetables into sizes that will cook evenly together.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Chicken with Roasted Vegetables and Feta Recipe has quickly become one of those dishes I can’t wait to share with friends and family. It’s vibrant, nutritious, and easy to prepare, making it a truly versatile staple to keep in your dinner rotation. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll brighten your dinner table and your day.
Print
Mediterranean Chicken with Roasted Vegetables and Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Mediterranean Chicken recipe features tender, seasoned chicken thighs or breasts roasted alongside vibrant bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Finished with Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, lemon juice, and fresh parsley, it’s a colorful, healthy, and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Toppings
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- â…“ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (205°C) to prepare for roasting the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Prepare the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, dried oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will infuse the chicken with classic Mediterranean flavors.
- Season the chicken: Place the chicken thighs or breasts in a large bowl or zip-top bag and thoroughly coat them with the seasoning mixture ensuring every piece is evenly covered.
- Arrange in baking dish: Lay the seasoned chicken in a large baking dish or sheet pan. Surround it with sliced red and yellow bell peppers, red onion slices, zucchini, and whole cherry tomatoes, distributing everything evenly.
- Roast the chicken and vegetables: Place the dish in the preheated oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F) and the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
- Add olives and feta: In the final 5 minutes of cooking, scatter the halved Kalamata olives over the chicken and vegetables, then sprinkle crumbled feta cheese evenly on top. Return to the oven to allow the cheese to soften slightly.
- Finish with lemon and parsley: After removing from the oven, drizzle fresh lemon juice over the dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for brightness and an added fresh herb aroma before serving.
Notes
- This dish pairs excellently with couscous, fluffy rice, or warm pita bread to soak up all the Mediterranean flavors.
- For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning mixture for up to 24 hours prior to cooking.
- Feel free to customize by adding or substituting vegetables such as eggplant slices or artichoke hearts according to preference.
