Description of this recipe
This Mediterranean Baked Chicken Dinner is a vibrant and flavorful one-pan meal that brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your table. Tender, juicy chicken pieces are baked to golden perfection alongside roasted potatoes, sweet red onions, and burst cherry tomatoes, all infused with a zesty lemon-herb marinade. It’s a complete, satisfying, and easy-to-clean-up meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering.
Why you will love this recipe
This recipe is a winner for several reasons:
- Effortless Preparation: It’s a one-pan wonder! Simply toss the ingredients together, bake, and enjoy. Minimal prep work and easy cleanup make it a stress-free meal option.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of lemon, garlic, oregano, and paprika creates a bright and aromatic marinade that penetrates the chicken and vegetables, resulting in a symphony of Mediterranean flavors.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein from the chicken and an abundance of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, this dish is a wholesome and balanced meal.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by using different vegetables, herbs, or spices. You can also adjust the sweetness level by adding more or less honey.
- Impressive Presentation: The colorful array of roasted chicken, potatoes, onions, and tomatoes makes for a visually appealing dish that’s sure to impress your family and guests.
Ingredients:
Marinade / Sauce
- 1 kg / 2 lb bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) lemon juice
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard (Optional)
- 2 tbsp honey or 1 tbsp sugar (or maple or other sweetener)
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1.5 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp EACH salt and pepper
Bake
- 5 smallish potatoes (7.5cm/3″ wide), quartered
- 2 red onions, quartered
- 1 cup (250ml) chicken broth/stock, low sodium
- 250g/8oz cherry tomatoes (whole)
- 1/2 tsp EACH salt and pepper
- 1 tbsp Olive oil (or oil spray)
- Fresh oregano, for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard (if using), honey (or sugar/sweetener), dried oregano, paprika, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This vibrant mixture forms the base of our Mediterranean flavors, infusing the chicken with a tangy, herby zest that will tantalize your taste buds.
Add the chicken thighs and drumsticks to the bowl, ensuring that each piece is thoroughly coated in the marinade. Use your hands to gently massage the marinade into the chicken, pressing it into every nook and cranny. This ensures that the flavors penetrate deep into the meat, creating a truly unforgettable taste experience.
For optimal flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight (up to 24 hours). The longer the chicken marinates, the more intense the flavors will become. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes of marinating will make a noticeable difference.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Quarter the potatoes and red onions, placing them in a large baking pan. The size of the potato pieces is important, aim for about 1.5 to 2 inch chunks as these will cook in the time that it takes for the chicken to become golden and cooked.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces over the potatoes and onions in the baking pan, nestling them among the vegetables. Pour the chicken stock (or broth) over the potatoes and onions, then drizzle the remaining marinade from the bowl over the chicken. The stock will help to keep the vegetables moist and flavorful during baking, while the marinade will continue to infuse the chicken with its delicious Mediterranean essence.
Step 4: Bake and Add Tomatoes
Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the pan from the oven and scatter the cherry tomatoes over the chicken and vegetables. Drizzle everything with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. The tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and acidity to the dish, while the olive oil helps to create a beautiful golden crust on the chicken and vegetables.
Step 5: Finish Baking and Garnish
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, and the potatoes are tender. A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken should register 165°F (74°C). The longer you bake it the more that the chicken and vegetables will caramelize.
Once the dish is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh oregano, if desired, for a pop of color and a final burst of fresh Mediterranean flavor.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Mediterranean Baked Chicken Dinner hot, straight from the oven.
- Serve it with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious pan juices.
- Pair it with a simple green salad for a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
- Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for extra creaminess and tang.
- Enjoy it as a complete meal on its own, or serve it as part of a larger Mediterranean-inspired feast.
Tips:
- For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- If you don’t have fresh oregano, you can substitute with dried oregano, but use half the amount.
- Adjust the amount of honey (or sugar/sweetener) to your liking, depending on your preference for sweetness.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking pan, as this will prevent the chicken and vegetables from browning properly. If necessary, use two baking pans.
- If the chicken starts to brown too quickly, cover the pan loosely with foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Prep Time:
20 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time:
50-55 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour 10-15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving Protein: 35-45 grams Sodium: 400-600 mg
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Baked Chicken Dinner is a culinary masterpiece that combines simplicity, flavor, and health. With its vibrant blend of lemon, herbs, and vegetables, this dish transports you to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean with every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a flavor-filled adventure!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs and drumsticks?
A: While you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, keep in mind that they tend to dry out more easily than bone-in, skin-on chicken. If you do use chicken breasts, reduce the cooking time accordingly and consider adding a little extra olive oil to keep them moist.
Q2: Can I substitute other vegetables for the potatoes and onions?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables that you enjoy, such as bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, or carrots. Just keep in mind that different vegetables may require different cooking times, so adjust accordingly.
Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure that everything is heated through.
Q4: What if I don’t have chicken stock on hand?
A: You can substitute chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water in a pinch. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the dish may be slightly different.
Q5: Can I add olives to this dish?
A: Absolutely! Olives would be a delicious addition to this Mediterranean Baked Chicken Dinner. Add them along with the cherry tomatoes for a burst of salty, briny flavor.
