If you love vibrant Mediterranean flavors wrapped up in one wholesome, comforting dish, then this Greek Chicken Bake with Quinoa, Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Feta Recipe is about to become your new weeknight favorite. Combining tender chicken breasts, protein-packed quinoa, juicy cherry tomatoes, briny kalamata olives, and creamy crumbled feta, it creates a delightful symphony of tastes and textures that feel both fresh and satisfyingly hearty. It’s effortless to prepare yet feels special enough to share at any meal, making it a standout recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients are the heart of this dish, each one playing its own role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the nutty quinoa to the zesty lemon slices, every element makes this bake truly shine.
- Quinoa (1 cup): This protein-rich grain cooks up fluffy and nutty, providing a perfect base that soaks in all the delicious juices.
- Water (1 cup): Used to cook the quinoa perfectly within the baking dish, keeping things tidy and easy.
- Chicken breasts (4, trimmed): Lean and tender, they make for a healthy main protein that bakes evenly right on top of the quinoa.
- Oregano (1 teaspoon): Brings a classic earthy Mediterranean herb flavor that pairs beautifully with chicken.
- Basil (1 teaspoon): Adds a sweet, fresh note to brighten the overall dish.
- Minced garlic (1 teaspoon): A small but mighty addition, imparting aromatic warmth and depth.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 pint): Bursting with juiciness, they add vibrant color and a slightly sweet tang.
- Red onion (1/2, sliced thin): Provides a mild bite and lovely texture contrast once baked.
- Kalamata olives (1 cup): Their briny richness elevates the dish with authentic Greek flair.
- Marinated artichoke hearts (3.5 oz jar): Tender and flavorful, offering a subtle tang and delightful texture.
- Crumbled feta (1/2 cup): Salty and creamy, it melts slightly while retaining its crumbly charm.
- Lemon (1, sliced thin): Adds a fresh citrus brightness that balances the savory ingredients perfectly.
How to Make Greek Chicken Bake with Quinoa, Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Feta Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Dish
Start by heating your oven to 400ºF and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This sets the stage for your layers of goodness to come together without sticking, helping you get that perfect bake and easy cleanup afterward.
Step 2: Layer Quinoa and Chicken
Add 1 cup of quinoa and 1 cup of water right into the baking dish. Give it a gentle stir to settle the quinoa evenly, then carefully nestle the trimmed chicken breasts into the quinoa. Creating cozy little “nests” helps the chicken cook evenly while allowing the quinoa to absorb all those wonderful chicken juices.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Sprinkle the oregano, basil, and minced garlic evenly across the tops of the chicken breasts. A pinch of salt over each piece enhances all the flavors, making them leap off your plate. This simple herb and spice combo is what anchors the Greek character of the dish.
Step 4: Add the Colorful Toppings
This is where your bake really starts to look like a party. Evenly scatter cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, kalamata olives, marinated artichoke hearts, crumbled feta, and finally, top everything off with those beautiful thin lemon slices. Each of these adds something unique — juiciness, tang, creaminess, or brightness — making every bite a surprise.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the uncovered dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken juices run clear and the internal temperature of the chicken hits 165ºF. Cooking times can vary depending on the size of your chicken breasts, so keep an eye out for doneness. Once baked, cover the dish and let everything rest for 3 to 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and lock in the juiciness.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Bake with Quinoa, Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Feta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill make a fantastic finishing touch, lending a pop of green and fresh herbal vibrancy. A quick drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also add subtle layers of flavor and heat, depending on your mood and guest preferences.
Side Dishes
This Greek Chicken Bake with Quinoa, Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Feta Recipe shines brilliantly on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, try serving it alongside a crisp cucumber and tomato salad or some warm pita bread to scoop up the tasty leftovers on your plate. A light lemony tzatziki also pairs perfectly and adds a creamy, cooling contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a delightful twist, serve this bake in individual ramekins or smaller casserole dishes—perfect for making portions feel extra special or for dinner parties. Alternatively, try spooning the quinoa and chicken mixture over a bed of baby greens or stuffing it into warm pita pockets for a fun, casual handheld option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, making for fantastic next-day lunches or quick dinners. Just make sure to keep the lemon slices to the side if you prefer to add fresh brightness when serving.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, especially the quinoa and chicken combined. To freeze, allow the bake to cool completely, then transfer portions into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in the oven at 350ºF for about 15 to 20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, the microwave works fine for a quicker option—just cover loosely to retain moisture and prevent drying out. Adding a splash of water or olive oil before reheating can help maintain that fresh, baked texture.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of quinoa?
Absolutely! Brown rice makes a heartier base and holds up well in the bake. Just remember to adjust the water ratio and cooking time accordingly to ensure the rice cooks fully alongside the chicken.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This Greek Chicken Bake with Quinoa, Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Feta Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and tasty option for anyone avoiding gluten.
Can I substitute the chicken breasts for thighs?
Definitely. Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. Just watch the cooking time closely since thighs sometimes require a bit longer to reach a safe internal temperature.
Do I have to use marinated artichoke hearts?
You don’t have to, but they add a wonderful tangy complexity that pairs beautifully with the olives and feta. If you can’t find marinated ones, plain artichoke hearts work too—just consider adding a drizzle of lemon juice or vinegar for brightness.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe leans toward mild and tangy Mediterranean flavors. If you enjoy heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes before baking or sprinkle some on when serving for a spicy kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a dish like this Greek Chicken Bake with Quinoa, Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Feta Recipe that brings together wholesome ingredients with bright, bold flavors in one comforting bake. It’s a beautiful go-to for busy nights when you want something nourishing and impressive with minimal fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—it’s truly a little Mediterranean sunshine on your dinner table.
Print
Greek Chicken Bake with Quinoa, Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Greek Chicken Bake is a vibrant and wholesome one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts nestled in a bed of quinoa and water, baked with aromatic oregano, basil, minced garlic, cherry tomatoes, red onions, kalamata olives, marinated artichoke hearts, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh lemon slices. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that combines Mediterranean ingredients for a healthy and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Grains & Liquids
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 cup water
Protein
- 4 trimmed chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Salt, to taste
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 red onion, sliced thin
- 1 cup kalamata olives
- 1 3.5 oz jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained
Dairy & Citrus
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 lemon, sliced thin
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Quinoa Base: Pour 1 cup quinoa and 1 cup water into the greased baking dish. Stir gently to combine and evenly distribute the quinoa and water mixture.
- Add Chicken: Place the 4 trimmed chicken breasts into the baking dish, creating small ‘nests’ in the quinoa bed to hold each piece securely.
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle oregano, basil, and minced garlic evenly over the chicken breasts. Salt the tops to taste to enhance the flavors.
- Layer Toppings: Arrange cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, kalamata olives, drained marinated artichoke hearts, crumbled feta cheese, and top with lemon slices evenly over the chicken and quinoa.
- Bake: Bake the dish uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, juices run clear, and the internal temperature reaches 165ºF (74ºC). Cooking times may vary depending on chicken size.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven, cover loosely, and let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
- Trim chicken breasts of excess fat for a leaner meal.
- Use fresh herbs if available to enhance flavor.
- If you prefer, substitute quinoa with couscous or rice, adjusting the liquid accordingly.
- Marinated artichoke hearts add tang and moisture; drain well to prevent sogginess.
- Check chicken internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safety.
- Resting the dish improves texture and keeps chicken juicy.
