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Mediterranean Baked Chicken with Tomatoes & Olives
This Mediterranean Baked Chicken with Tomatoes & Olives is bright, fresh, and full of those bold, comforting flavors that instantly transport you somewhere coastal. Imagine juicy chicken baked in a garlicky tomato sauce, sweet bursts of cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and a blanket of melted cheese tying it all together.
It’s the kind of dish that feels light but satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome without spending hours in the kitchen. And it’s just as lovely for casual dinners with friends, served with warm bread and a simple salad.
The best part? Everything bakes together in one dish, filling your kitchen with the smell of herbs, garlic, and bubbling marinara.
Let’s bring a little Mediterranean magic to your table.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup marinara sauce
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup sliced black olives
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
1. Preheat and prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks and cleanup stays easy.
2. Season the chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry and arrange them in the baking dish.
Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with Italian seasoning, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning lightly over the surface so every bite is flavorful.
3. Add garlic and sauce
Scatter the minced garlic over the chicken.
Spoon marinara sauce evenly on top of each breast. Let it gently spread — this will keep the chicken moist and infuse it with rich tomato flavor as it bakes.
4. Layer the toppings
Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced black olives over and around the chicken. The tomatoes will soften and release their juices, while the olives add that irresistible salty bite.
Sprinkle mozzarella generously over the top, followed by Parmesan for an extra layer of savory depth.
5. Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the tomatoes will look soft and slightly blistered.
6. Broil for color (optional)
If you love a golden, lightly browned cheese topping, switch the oven to broil for 2–3 minutes. Watch it carefully — it browns quickly!
7. Garnish and serve
Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped basil. The aroma of fresh basil hitting that warm sauce is incredible.
Before serving, spoon some of the flavorful pan juices over the chicken to keep everything extra moist and delicious.
Presentation
Serve each chicken breast with a generous spoonful of the tomato-olive mixture and plenty of melted cheese on top.
This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, orzo, roasted potatoes, or warm crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A crisp cucumber salad or simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly.
For a vibrant finish, add a few extra fresh basil leaves right before bringing it to the table.
Nutritional Information:
⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
🔥 Kcal: Approximately 410 kcal per serving | 🍽️ Servings: 4 servings
Conclusion
Mediterranean Baked Chicken with Tomatoes & Olives is one of those recipes you’ll turn to again and again. It’s simple, flavorful, and just feels good to eat — bright tomatoes, savory olives, tender chicken, and melty cheese in every bite.
Whether you’re cooking for family or just making dinner for yourself, this dish brings warmth and freshness to the table with very little effort.
If you’re craving something easy, wholesome, and full of Mediterranean charm, this is your sign to make it soon. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing.
