Greek Chicken and Veggies: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe

Greek Chicken and Veggies, a symphony of Mediterranean flavors, is about to become your new weeknight staple! Imagine tender, juicy chicken infused with lemon, garlic, and oregano, nestled amongst a vibrant medley of colorful vegetables, all roasted to perfection. Are you ready to transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed shores of Greece?

This dish isn’t just delicious; it’s a celebration of Greek culinary traditions. Rooted in simplicity and fresh ingredients, Greek cuisine has been nourishing families for centuries. The combination of lean protein, healthy fats, and nutrient-rich vegetables makes it a wholesome and satisfying meal.

What makes Greek Chicken and Veggies so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of bright, zesty flavors and comforting textures. The lemon-herb marinade tenderizes the chicken while imparting a delightful aroma. The roasted vegetables, slightly caramelized and bursting with natural sweetness, complement the savory chicken beautifully. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or effortless entertaining. People adore this dish because it’s healthy, flavorful, and requires minimal cleanup – a true win-win!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken Marinade:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Veggies:
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch wedges
• 1 zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch thick rounds
• 1 yellow squash, cut into 1/2-inch thick rounds
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, halved or quartered if large
• For the Skewers (optional):
• Wooden or metal skewers
• For Serving (optional):
• Cooked rice or quinoa
• Pita bread
• Tzatziki sauce
• Feta cheese, crumbled
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Preparing the Chicken Marinade

Okay, let’s get started! First, we’re going to make the marinade for our chicken. This is where all the delicious Greek flavors come from, so don’t skip this step!

1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined. You want a nice, emulsified marinade.
2. Add the cubed chicken to the bowl. Toss the chicken thoroughly to ensure that each piece is coated evenly with the marinade. This is important for maximum flavor!
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade to a resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably for 2-4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful the chicken will be. You can even marinate it overnight for an extra boost of flavor! Just make sure it’s properly refrigerated.

Preparing the Vegetables

While the chicken is marinating, let’s prep our veggies. This part is super easy and customizable. Feel free to add or substitute any of your favorite vegetables!

1. Wash and dry all the vegetables thoroughly. This is a crucial step for food safety and to ensure the veggies cook properly.
2. Cut the bell peppers into 1-inch pieces. Remove the seeds and membranes first. I like to use a variety of colors for a visually appealing dish.
3. Cut the red onion into wedges. You want them to be large enough to hold their shape during cooking.
4. Cut the zucchini and yellow squash into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
5. Leave the cherry tomatoes whole. They’ll burst with flavor as they cook.
6. Halve or quarter the cremini mushrooms, depending on their size. You want them to be roughly the same size as the other vegetables.
7. In a large bowl, combine all the cut vegetables.
8. Drizzle the vegetables with a tablespoon or two of olive oil. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss everything together to coat evenly.

Assembling the Skewers (Optional)

If you’re using skewers, now’s the time to assemble them. This step is optional, but it makes for a fun and easy presentation. If you’re not using skewers, you can simply cook the chicken and vegetables separately on a baking sheet or grill pan.

1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling. This will prevent them from burning on the grill or in the oven.
2. Thread the chicken and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between the chicken and different types of vegetables. Try to pack them tightly, but not so tightly that they don’t cook evenly.
3. You can arrange the skewers in any order you like. I usually go for a pattern of chicken, bell pepper, onion, zucchini, tomato, mushroom, and repeat.
4. If you have any leftover vegetables or chicken that don’t fit on the skewers, you can cook them separately.

Cooking the Greek Chicken and Veggies

Now for the exciting part – cooking! You have a few options here: grilling, baking, or using a grill pan. I’ll cover all three methods.

Grilling

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
3. Place the skewers (or the chicken and vegetables directly on the grill) on the preheated grill.
4. Grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and slightly charred. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry.
6. Remove the skewers (or chicken and vegetables) from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
3. Arrange the skewers (or the chicken and vegetables) on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re not overcrowded.
4. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Again, the internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. If you want the vegetables to be more charred, you can broil them for the last few minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
6. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the chicken and vegetables rest for a few minutes before serving.

Grill Pan

1. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Lightly oil the grill pan to prevent sticking.
3. Place the skewers (or the chicken and vegetables) on the preheated grill pan.
4. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and have grill marks. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
6. Remove the skewers (or chicken and vegetables) from the grill pan and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

The Greek Chicken and Veggies are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with some tasty sides and toppings!

1. Serve the chicken and vegetables over cooked rice or quinoa. This is a great way to soak up all the delicious juices.
2. Serve with warm pita bread for dipping and scooping.
3. Top with tzatziki sauce, a classic Greek yogurt-based sauce.
4. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese for a salty and tangy flavor.
5. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
6. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving can also brighten up the flavors.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy Greek Chicken and Veggies! Kali Orexi!

Conclusion:

This Greek Chicken and Veggies recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a vibrant, flavorful journey to the Mediterranean, right in your own kitchen! I truly believe this is a must-try for anyone looking to add a healthy, delicious, and incredibly easy meal to their repertoire. The combination of tender, juicy chicken, perfectly roasted vegetables, and that tangy, herbaceous marinade is simply irresistible. It’s a dish that’s both satisfying and light, making it perfect for any time of year.

But what truly sets this recipe apart is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Zucchini, bell peppers (any color!), red onion, and even eggplant would be fantastic additions. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the herbs too! While oregano and thyme are classic Greek flavors, a sprinkle of fresh rosemary or dill can add a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions:

This Greek Chicken and Veggies is delicious on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it over a bed of fluffy quinoa or couscous to soak up all those flavorful juices. A dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce adds a cool and refreshing element. For a heartier meal, you could even wrap the chicken and veggies in warm pita bread with some hummus and feta cheese for a delicious Greek-inspired gyro.

Variations to Explore:

Looking for even more ways to customize this recipe? Try these variations:

* Lemon Herb Marinade Boost: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the marinade for an extra burst of citrusy flavor.
* Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the marinade will add a subtle heat.
* Sheet Pan Perfection: For an even easier cleanup, roast everything on a single sheet pan. Just be sure to spread the vegetables out in a single layer to ensure they roast evenly.
* Grilled Goodness: Grill the chicken and vegetables for a smoky, charred flavor. Marinate the chicken as directed, then thread the vegetables onto skewers for easy grilling.
* Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with halloumi cheese or firm tofu for a delicious vegetarian option.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a simple, straightforward recipe that delivers big on flavor, and it’s a fantastic way to incorporate more healthy vegetables into your diet. The key to success with this Greek Chicken and Veggies lies in the quality of the ingredients and allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even better, overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and create a truly unforgettable dish.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven (or fire up your grill!), and get ready to experience the taste of Greece. I can’t wait to hear what you think! Please, try this recipe and don’t hesitate to share your experience in the comments below. Let me know what variations you tried, what sides you served it with, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Happy cooking!