Name: Mediterranean Chicken Bake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar; 1 tablespoon good quality olive oil (I used Star Roasted Garlic Olive Oil); 6 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (I used thighs); to taste salt and pepper (to taste); 1 14 oz can or jar of marinated artichoke hearts (I used Star Grilled Artichokes); 1/2 piece red onion (thinly sliced); 1 pint cherry tomatoes (left whole); 1 14 oz can white beans (drained & rinsed); 3/4 cup whole salted cashews; 1 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 cup mozzarella pearls (whole milk mozzarella); 4 sprigs fresh oregano (chopped)

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If you’re anything like me, busy weeknights often call for quick yet satisfying meals. That’s why Mediterranean Chicken Bake has become my go-to dish. It brings together the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean while being a breeze to prepare. Imagine walking into your kitchen, the aroma of marinated chicken fills the air, and just moments later, you have a comforting, hearty dinner ready. This bake is not only delicious, but it also showcases the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something special. Whether it’s a family dinner or just a meal for yourself, this dish never disappoints.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
30 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
20 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
450 kcal

Protein:
40 g

Diet:
Keto, Whole30, Gluten-Free

Fat:
20 g

Tools Used:
Baking Sheet, Skillet, Chef’s Knife, Oven

Why This Mediterranean Chicken Bake Is So Good

It’s a One-Pan Wonder

There’s something incredibly satisfying about meals that only require one dish to cook. Less cleanup means more time spent enjoying the delicious Mediterranean Chicken Bake with loved ones. You can prep everything in a single casserole dish and simply let the oven do the work. It’s practically effortless!

Flavor Explosion

The combination of ingredients like balsamic vinegar, artichoke hearts, and fresh oregano creates a flavor explosion. Each bite is filled with Mediterranean goodness, making your taste buds dance. It’s a perfect blend of savory and slightly tangy, leaving you wanting more.

Healthy and Wholesome

This dish is packed with nutritious ingredients. The inclusion of chicken, white beans, and fresh vegetables makes it a balanced meal. It’s a comforting dish that doesn’t compromise on health, which is a win-win in my book!

Customizable

Another reason I love this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal taste. Want to add some extra veggies? Go for it! Prefer a different protein? You can swap out the chicken for something else. This bake adapts beautifully to your preferences.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Cooking for the week? This Mediterranean Chicken Bake is fantastic for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge and reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy its flavors throughout the week. Just pop it in the microwave and you’ve got a delicious meal ready in minutes.

Great for Gatherings

If you’re hosting friends or family, this dish is sure to impress. The vibrant colors and enticing aromas will draw everyone to the table. Plus, it serves a crowd, so you can enjoy good food and great company.

Ingredients Overview for Mediterranean Chicken Bake

When it comes to creating a truly memorable dish, the quality and harmony of your ingredients matter immensely. In the Mediterranean Chicken Bake, each component plays a crucial role in achieving that delicious balance. The stars of this recipe include chicken, balsamic vinegar, and a medley of colorful vegetables that not only offer flavor but also nutrition. Together, they create a symphony of tastes that transports you to the Mediterranean coast.

Balsamic vinegar: Adds a rich and tangy flavor that enhances the chicken perfectly.
Good quality olive oil: A staple in Mediterranean cooking, it provides healthy fats and depth of flavor.
Chicken breasts or thighs: The heart of the dish, juicy and tender when cooked properly.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, helping to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Artichoke hearts: These add a unique flavor and texture that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Red onion: Brings sweetness and a bit of crunch to the dish.
Cherry tomatoes: They add a burst of freshness and color.
White beans: A great source of protein and fiber, lending creaminess to the bake.
Whole salted cashews: They provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
Chicken broth: This builds the base of the sauce and keeps everything moist.
Whole milk mozzarella: Melts beautifully, adding a creamy texture on top of the bake.
Fresh oregano: Offers a fragrant herbaceous note that ties the dish together.

Recipe Steps for Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Making the Mediterranean Chicken Bake is an enjoyable experience, letting you fill your kitchen with delightful aromas. Follow these steps carefully, and you will be rewarded with a dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Start by marinating the chicken breasts in balsamic vinegar. It’s best to let them soak for at least thirty minutes to absorb all that delicious flavor. The longer, the better!
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that the dish cooks evenly and thoroughly once it’s placed inside.
In a 9×13 casserole dish, add rinsed and drained white beans, whole salted cashews, cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and thinly sliced red onion. Mix these ingredients together nicely.
Next, take the marinated chicken and season both sides with salt and pepper. This step is critical for ensuring your chicken is flavorful.
In a large skillet, heat up olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear it for about two minutes on each side until it is browned. Keep in mind that the chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage; it will finish in the oven.
Carefully nestle the browned chicken pieces into the casserole dish, placing them on top of the mixture of beans and vegetables. This allows the juices from the chicken to mingle with the other ingredients.
Next, brush the chicken with a bit more balsamic vinegar to enhance the flavor. This step is optional, but it adds another layer of tangy goodness!
Pour the chicken broth into the dish, ensuring to cover the mixture well. This will keep everything moist as it bakes and help create a delicious sauce.
Finally, lay in the chopped fresh oregano over the top. This will infuse the dish with a wonderful herbal aroma while it cooks.
Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for fifteen to twenty minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be fully cooked, tender, and juicy!
Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle mozzarella pearls on top. Return it to the oven for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This will help the flavors settle. Serve the Mediterranean Chicken Bake over rice, pasta, or enjoy it on its own.
Enjoy every bite and take a moment to savor the flavors!

Things Worth Knowing

Marinating matters: The longer you let the chicken marinate in the balsamic vinegar, the deeper the flavor will be.
Don’t rush the browning: Make sure to sear the chicken well for that beautiful caramelization, which adds rich flavors.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality olive oil make a big difference in taste.
Cook to temperature: Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s safely cooked through.

Tips and Tricks about Mediterranean Chicken Bake

When it comes to perfecting your Mediterranean Chicken Bake, I’ve gathered a few tips that can really enhance your cooking process and the final result. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in the oven to avoid drying out.
Freezing: This dish freezes well. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It should keep for about three months.
Pairing: Serve the dish with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Variations: Feel free to add other veggies like zucchini or bell peppers based on your preference. You can also substitute chicken with fish or tofu for a different taste.
Serving: This dish is perfect for gatherings as it serves a crowd easily. Just ensure you have enough side dishes to complement the meal.

Side Dish Ideas for Mediterranean Chicken Bake

When serving the Mediterranean Chicken Bake, pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some ideas:

Garlic bread: A warm, crusty garlic bread makes a wonderful accompaniment to soak up the delicious juices.
Greek salad: A fresh Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta adds a refreshing crunch to the richness of the bake.
Roasted vegetables: Consider roasting seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a colorful and healthy side.
Rice or quinoa: Serving the bake over a bed of fluffy rice or nutty quinoa is a great way to make the meal more filling.
Pasta: If you’re in the mood for carbs, toss some pasta with a bit of olive oil and herbs to serve on the side.
Perfect for any occasion: This dish works wonderfully for family dinners, potlucks, or even holiday gatherings. It’s versatile enough for any season!

FAQ

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first to ensure even cooking. If you place frozen chicken directly into the dish, it may take longer to cook through. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it’s at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you don’t have artichoke hearts on hand, you can substitute them with other vegetables like chopped spinach or mushrooms. These options will still provide a flavorful component to the bake, though the taste will differ slightly. Feel free to experiment with what you have available!

This dish is quite healthy! It includes lean protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the olive oil and cashews, and plenty of vegetables, making it a well-rounded meal. The use of balsamic vinegar adds flavor without extra calories, making it a smart choice for a nutritious dinner.

You can store leftover Mediterranean Chicken Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can also freeze it for about three months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Conclusion

The Mediterranean Chicken Bake is a delightful dish that combines convenience with fantastic flavors. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the vibrant taste of the Mediterranean in your home. Your family and friends will love it, and you might just find it becoming a staple in your dinner rotation!