Mediterranean Baked Chicken

This Mediterranean Baked Chicken is a fresh, flavorful, and easy dinner recipe that comes together with simple ingredients and minimal prep. Juicy chicken breasts are baked with sweet cherry tomatoes, briny black olives, garlic, olive oil, and Mediterranean-inspired herbs for a dish that feels both comforting and light. The tomatoes become soft and slightly roasted in the oven, creating a delicious natural sauce that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken.

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners because it requires very little effort while delivering bold flavor. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice and chopped basil at the end brighten the entire dish and give it that classic Mediterranean taste everyone loves. Serve it with rice, roasted vegetables, couscous, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup black olives, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• Juice of ½ lemon

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and place them in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken, then season both sides with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning gently into the chicken so the flavors coat evenly.

Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, and minced garlic around and over the chicken breasts. As the dish bakes, the tomatoes soften and release their juices, creating a flavorful Mediterranean-style sauce.

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If the chicken breasts are thick, they may need a few extra minutes in the oven.

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken and vegetables. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil for a burst of freshness and color.

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon the roasted tomatoes and olives over the top of each chicken breast for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Mediterranean Baked Chicken pairs beautifully with:

• Rice or lemon herb couscous
• Roasted potatoes
• Garlic butter green beans
• Greek salad
• Warm pita bread

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 35 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fat: 17 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sodium: 420 mg