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Zesty Chicken Recipe

Zesty Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Succulent lemon balsamic chicken and potatoes shine in this Mediterranean-inspired sheet pan delight. Herbal notes and zesty flavors merge seamlessly, inviting cooks to savor each perfectly roasted bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless
  • 1 pound (454 grams) potatoes, baby, halved
  • 4 tbsps plus ⅓ cup (120 ml) olive oil, extra virgin
  • 2 tbsps balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsps mustard, Dijon
  • 2 tbsps lemon juice
  • 1 cup olives, green, torn
  • 2 tsp paprika, smoked or regular
  • 1 tbsp oregano, fresh chopped
  • 6 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 shallot, chopped
  • 1 cup herbs, fresh mixed (dill, basil, or thyme), chopped
  • 6 oz (170 grams) feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tbsps pepperoncini, sliced
  • 2 tbsps sesame seeds
  • 1 cup tzatziki sauce
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Chili flakes, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) with rack centered for uniform roasting.
  2. Potato Foundation: Scatter potatoes on baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and black pepper, ensuring even coating.
  3. Marinade Creation: Whisk balsamic vinegar, whole grain mustard, oregano, paprika, garlic, shallots, and olive oil into a harmonious, flavor-packed liquid.
  4. Chicken Infusion: Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in marinade, massaging each morsel to maximize flavor penetration.
  5. Sheet Pan Assembly: Arrange marinated chicken strategically around seasoned potatoes, maintaining space for optimal heat circulation and caramelization.
  6. Roasting Process: Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature and potatoes develop golden, crispy exterior.
  7. Finishing Touch: Craft a zesty Mediterranean sauce by combining olive oil, lemon juice, fresh herbs, pepperoncini, and olives.
  8. Final Flourish: Drizzle herbed olive mixture over roasted chicken and potatoes, then garnish with tzatziki and crumbled feta before serving immediately.

Notes

  • Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes or overnight to enhance depth and tenderness of meat.
  • Pan Positioning Matters: Arrange chicken and potatoes with space between pieces to ensure crispy edges and even browning during roasting.
  • Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exactly 165°F for perfect doneness and food safety.
  • Herb Freshness Boost: Add fresh chopped herbs just before serving to maintain vibrant flavor and aromatic quality of the final dish.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg