Description
Zesty Mediterranean lemon herb chicken brings sunny Greek flavors to dinner tables with minimal effort. Garlic, rosemary, and lemon mingle effortlessly, creating a simple yet elegant meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 6 chicken thighs or breasts
- 6–8 ounces feta cheese (cubed)
- 1–2 pepperoncini (chopped)
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 1 pound baby potatoes (halved)
- 1 medium yellow onion (sliced)
- 1 shallot (chopped)
- 2 cups mixed fresh parsley (oregano, and dill, chopped)
- 6–8 garlic cloves (lightly smashed)
- 2 lemons (1 halved, and 1 sliced)
- Red pepper flakes (to taste)
Oils, Seasonings, and Extras:
- 4 tablespoons plus 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 4 tablespoons salted butter (sliced into 6 pieces)
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 3/4 cup Greek olive mix (or green)
Instructions
- Heat oven to 425°F, preparing a spacious baking sheet for roasting.
- Coat potatoes with olive oil, season generously with salt and black pepper, then arrange lemon halves alongside. Roast for 20 minutes until potatoes turn golden and tender.
- Create a robust marinade by blending olive oil with dried oregano, paprika, chopped shallot, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in this aromatic mixture.
- Extract potato tray from oven, strategically position marinated chicken among potatoes. Distribute onions, whole garlic cloves, and fresh lemon slices around the protein. Top each chicken piece with a butter slice.
- Return tray to oven, roasting for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches perfect internal temperature and develops a crispy exterior.
- Craft a vibrant Mediterranean dressing by whisking red wine vinegar, chopped herbs, pepperoncini, and sliced olives with remaining olive oil.
- Finely mince roasted lemon slices and transform garlic into a smooth paste. Incorporate these intensely flavored elements into the dressing, enhancing with red pepper and salt.
- Once chicken is cooked, drizzle prepared dressing generously over the dish. Crumble feta cheese across the surface and garnish with fresh herb sprigs.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for extra flavor by letting it sit in the herb mixture for 30 minutes before cooking, enhancing the Mediterranean taste profile.
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for juicier meat and deeper flavor, which stays more tender during high-temperature roasting.
- Swap feta with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast or cashew cheese for lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary needs, maintaining the tangy Mediterranean character.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting chili flakes or using mild pepperoncini for those preferring less spice, ensuring everyone can enjoy the dish’s vibrant flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 462 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 352 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 88 mg