Mediterranean Lemon Chicken

Zesty Lemons and briny olives provide the robust flavor to this delightful Mediterranean

Lemon Chicken

inspired  meal with fresh oregano and rosemary. This makes it a quick and easy weeknight dish to make. 

Cuisine:                  Mediterranean

Course:                        Dinner            

Guests:                        4 (This is one of those meals that is easier to make for 4 than 2, you’ll just have extra  

Ingredients

Marinade

·     2 teaspoons grated lemon rind

·     1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

·     1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

·     1 teaspoon rosemary

·     1 1/2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic

Chicken

·     Dash of kosher salt

·     Dash of fresh ground pepper

·     4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, halved crosswise

·     Olive oil

·     ½ cup oil-cured pitted and sliced olives

·     2 teaspoons oregano

·     1 shallot,

·     Thinly sliced lemons

Instructions

1.    Preheat:  Oven to 400°.

2.    Marinade: Combine the lemon rind, lemon juice, olive oil, rosemary and garlic in a bowl. Whisk together.

3.    Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Place in a large flat bowl, then pour the lemon marinade over the chicken. Make sure both sides of the chicken are well covered. Set aside for about 20 minutes. (Can make this first thing in the morning and then let marinade for the rest of the day.)

4.     Baking: Coat the bottom and sides of a large broiler safe dish with olive oil. Place chicken in the baking dish and then sprinkle chicken with some oregano, olives and then top with shallots. Place the lemon slices on top of the chicken. Cover chicken with a glass lid or with aluminum foil and bake at 400° for 20 minutes. (Depending on the thickness of the chicken, actual cooking time may be longer.)

5.     Serve: Check the chicken to make sure it’s done, then place on your favorite serving platter.

6.     Enjoy.