Imagine a dinner that transports you to the sun-drenched coastlines of Greece with just one bite - without breaking your low-carb diet! This Mediterranean Chicken Bake is not just a meal, it's a culinary adventure that combines simplicity, nutrition, and explosive flavors. In just one hour, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that's so easy, even novice cooks can master it like a professional chef.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup olives
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture.
- Place the chicken breasts in the greased baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced out for even cooking.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken breasts, making sure to coat them well for added flavor and moisture.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of oregano evenly over the chicken, along with salt and pepper to taste. This will enhance the Mediterranean flavors of the dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and 1/2 cup of olives. Toss them together gently to mix.
- Evenly distribute the cherry tomato and olive mixture over the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
- Crumble 1/4 cup of feta cheese over the top of the chicken and vegetable mixture. This will add a creamy texture and tangy flavor to the dish.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture while baking.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes. This will allow the chicken to brown slightly and the flavors to intensify.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it has reached at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken.
- Serve the Mediterranean chicken bake warm, garnished with additional feta cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your low-carb meal!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken breasts for 30 minutes before cooking if time allows.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the Mediterranean authenticity.
- Choose ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for the best burst of flavor.
- Ensure your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) by using a meat thermometer.
- Let the dish rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.
- For a crispier top, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
- Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or parsley as a final garnish to elevate the dish's freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 105mg
