Delight in the simplicity of our Baked Greek Chicken, where lemon zest, red onion, kalamata olives, and spices come together. Placed on a bed of spinach with Feta, it’s an easy and delicious meal.
Two of my amazing girlfriends from my childhood came over for dinner the other night. I wanted to throw together a simple and tasty dinner that I could make while chatting with them in the kitchen.
I decided on a Mediterranean menu, so I made a tray of antipasto for us to snack on before dinner, then put together this Greek Baked Chicken! If you love Greek cuisine, then try these other Greek recipes: Greek Chicken Pasta, Spanakopita, and Lamb Gyro.
Table of Contents
Reasons to Love This Greek Chicken
- Baked Greek Chicken bursts with Mediterranean flavors.
- This dish is a guilt-free delight as it features lean chicken paired with wholesome ingredients like spinach for a tasty and nutritious meal.
- The tender chicken, infused with Greek flavors, provides comfort in every bite.
- From the zesty lemon to the vibrant tomatoes, each ingredient contributes to a fresh and lively flavor.
Recipe Ingredients
- Lemons: Infusing a zesty, citrusy essence, lemons add brightness and a tangy kick to the Baked Greek Chicken.
- Olive Oil: With a silky texture and rich, savory undertones, olive oil contributes moisture and a luscious mouthfeel.
- Kalamata Olives: Kalamata olives provide a salty, distinctive flavor, complementing the dish with their unique Mediterranean profile and satisfying slightly chewy texture.
- Chicken Breasts: The main protein source, chicken breasts offer a tender, juicy bite.
- Red Onion: Adds sweetness and subtle crunch to the dish.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Baked Greek Chicken
Step #1: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius).
Step #2: Zest one lemon and place the zest in a large bowl. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add in the red onion slices and kalamata olives, then toss to coat them. Transfer the onions and olives to the bottom of a baking dish.
Step #3: Cut the chicken breasts into tenders (slice them parallel to your work surface, then cut each half into 3 pieces).
Step #4: Season the tenders with salt, pepper, and Greek seasoning (if using). Place them on top of the bed of onions and olives. Tuck the peeled garlic cloves under the chicken to keep them from burning.
Step #5: Spread the hummus evenly over the top of the chicken breasts. Squeeze the juice from the zested lemon over the chicken and onions.
Step #6: Sprinkle paprika over the top. Add the zested and squeezed lemon rinds to the pan.
Step #7: Bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
Step #8: Add the tomatoes to the perimeter of the pan, then drizzle balsamic vinegar over the top of the tomatoes. Return to the oven for another 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Step #9: Serve the baked Greek chicken breast on a bed of spinach, topped with feta cheese, and with extra lemon wedges for squeezing. Optional accompaniments: Roasted red peppers, pepperoncini, pita bread with hummus, fresh parsley, or cucumbers.
Expert Tips
- Even Thickness of Chicken: To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cutting them into tenders. This prevents the thinner parts from drying out before the thicker parts are fully cooked.
- Marinate the Chicken: For even more flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and Greek seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will infuse the chicken with more of the delightful Greek flavors.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the baked chicken breast reaches its optimal juicy perfection by using a meat thermometer. Accurately measure the internal temperature, guaranteeing a thoroughly cooked and flavorful dish.
- Hummus Quality: Use a high-quality or homemade hummus for a richer flavor. The hummus not only adds flavor but also helps to keep the chicken moist during baking.
- Serving Suggestions: While spinach and pita are great, you can also consider other sides like Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or tzatziki sauce on a salad for a more rounded meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken thighs add an extra layer of flavor and tenderness. Adjust the cooking time by adding a few minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Certainly! Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to enhance the dish’s nutritional profile. You can also slice potatoes thinly and arrange them around the chicken.
Storage Info
To store Baked Greek Chicken, refrigerate any leftovers promptly, and they will stay good for up to 3-4 days. If planning to keep it longer, freezing is an option; store in airtight containers for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven at 350°F (176°C) for best results, ensuring the chicken retains its flavors and textures. Microwave reheating is quicker but may affect the crispiness of the chicken.
More Chicken Recipes That You Will Love
Baked Greek Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lemons
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Red onion - cut into thick slices
- 1/3 c. pitted kalamata olives
- 2 to 3 large chicken breasts
- Salt & Pepper
- 1 tsp. Greek seasoning - or ½ tsp. oregano, ½ tsp. salt
- 4 cloves garlic - peeled
- 1/2 c. hummus
- 1 tsp. Paprika
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- Crumbled Feta for topping
- Spinach and pita bread for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius).
- Zest one lemon and place the zest in a large bowl. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add in the red onion slices and kalamata olives, then toss to coat them. Transfer the onions and olives to the bottom of a baking dish.
- Cut the chicken breasts into tenders (slice them parallel to your work surface, then cut each half into 3 pieces).
- Season the tenders with salt, pepper, and Greek seasoning (if using). Place them on top of the bed of onions and olives. Tuck the peeled garlic cloves under the chicken to keep them from burning.
- Spread the hummus evenly over the top of the chicken breasts. Squeeze the juice from the zested lemon over the chicken and onions.
- Sprinkle paprika over the top. Add the zested and squeezed lemon rinds to the pan.
- Bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes to the perimeter of the pan, then drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the top of the tomatoes. Return to the oven for another 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve the baked Greek chicken breast on a bed of spinach, topped with feta cheese, and with extra lemon wedges for squeezing. Optional accompaniments: Roasted red peppers, pepperoncini, pita bread with hummus, fresh parsley, or cucumbers.
NOTES
Nutrition
This was such a tasty dish! Super easy to make, and so flavorful. I used chicken breasts instead of thighs and followed the recipe exactly. Turned out perfect!! Thanks for the awesome recipe!
I have made this recipe many times, always with great success. It is a favorite in our house! I see that the recipe was revised in December 2023, and I believe you left out a step: while the tomatoes and balsamic vinegar are listed in the ingredients, there are no instructions to add them to the pan and then cook for an additional 15 minutes.
Hi Amy, you are correct, this has been fixed. Thanks!
Thanks for the recipe. Made this last night. Very tasty!
Thanks, Liam! This is one of my favorites 🙂
This right here is my version of winner winner chicken dinner! It was so great! I forgot to add feta to mine and it was still great…can’t wait til breakfast tomorrow, will have it then AND add the feta this time! Highly recommend this one!!!
My mom says that you can make anything fancy by adding Feta 🙂