Print

Greek Chicken Bake with Feta, Olives & Tomatoes

Greek Chicken Bake with Feta, Olives & Tomatoes

A vibrant and wholesome Greek Chicken Bake bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Tender, juicy chicken thighs baked with salty feta, briny Kalamata olives, sweet cherry tomatoes, garlic, fresh oregano, lemon juice, and olive oil. This one-pan meal is effortless to prepare, healthy, family-friendly, and perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 46 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on preferred for juiciness)

Cheese

  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese

Produce

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 34 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
  • Optional garnish: fresh parsley or extra oregano, chopped

Pantry

  • 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper, then drizzle with olive oil to help crisp the skin during baking.
  2. Arrange in the baking dish: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer in your baking dish. Scatter halved cherry tomatoes, pitted Kalamata olives, and minced garlic evenly around the chicken to build layers of flavor.
  3. Add herbs and feta: Sprinkle freshly chopped oregano over the dish. Crumble feta cheese evenly on top to create creamy, salty pockets as it bakes.
  4. Drizzle with lemon and olive oil: Pour fresh lemon juice and a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over all ingredients to brighten flavors and keep the chicken tender.
  5. Bake to perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, skin is crispy, and tomatoes are soft and slightly blistered. The dish will fill your kitchen with enticing Mediterranean aromas.
  6. Rest before serving: Allow the bake to rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven so juices redistribute and chicken remains tender.

Notes

  • Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the best flavor and juiciness.
  • Choose authentic Greek feta for superior taste and texture.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a crispy skin.
  • Let the dish rest briefly after baking for juicier chicken.
  • Fresh oregano is preferred but dried oregano can be used; reduce quantity if dried.
  • Try variations like swapping chicken thighs for breasts or turkey thighs for a different texture.
  • Cheese alternatives such as goat cheese or halloumi work well.
  • Add vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or red onion for extra color and nutrients.
  • Spice it up with crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
  • Freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
  • Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes to preserve texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek chicken bake, feta chicken, Mediterranean dinner, chicken with olives and tomatoes, healthy chicken bake, baked chicken recipe