Mediterranean Diet Lemon Pepper Chicken

Infused with bold, zesty flavors and a Mediterranean twist, this Lemon Pepper Chicken is a deliciously healthy meal that’s as vibrant as it is satisfying. Perfect for followers of the Mediterranean diet, this dish features tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a bright blend of fresh lemon juice, garlic, and aromatic herbs like oregano and thyme. Sear the chicken to golden perfection before finishing it in the oven, then top with sweet cherry tomatoes, briny kalamata olives, and creamy crumbled feta for an irresistible burst of flavor. A final garnish of fresh parsley ties it all together for a stunning, nutrient-packed dish that’s ready in just 40 minutes. Whether you’re meal prepping or serving it fresh for dinner, this recipe is a true celebration of Mediterranean cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 whole lemon
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 0.5 cup kalamata olives
• 0.5 cup feta cheese

Directions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

Zest the lemons and then juice them. Reserve the zest and juice separately.

Step 3

In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, oregano, and thyme. Mix well.

Step 4

Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl or plastic bag. Pour the lemon pepper marinade over the chicken and ensure the chicken is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

Step 5

While the chicken is marinating, chop the parsley and halve the cherry tomatoes.

Step 6

Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add a small drizzle of olive oil.

Step 7

Sear the marinated chicken breasts in the skillet for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.

Step 8

Transfer the skillet with the chicken to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).

Step 9

Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.

Step 10

Serve the chicken topped with chopped parsley, halved cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Optionally, drizzle with a little more olive oil and squeeze additional lemon juice on top if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1203.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1975.4

Total Fat 100.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 24.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 658.4mg	0%
Sodium 5138.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 33.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.4g	0%
Total Sugars 6.9g
Protein 230.2g	0%

Vitamin D 19.0IU	0%
Calcium 662.3mg	0%
Iron 13.4mg	0%
Potassium 2486.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.1%

Protein: 47.1%

Carbs: 6.8%