Sheet Pan Greek Chicken For One

Welcome to your new go-to dinner: Sheet Pan Greek Chicken For One! This recipe effortlessly marries the vibrant flavors of Greece with a perfect balance of protein and veggies for a complete meal. It’s incredibly easy to make, and the best part? Minimal cleanup. With just a handful of basic ingredients, this dish will become a regular on your meal rotation, making it a recipe you’ll keep coming back to.

What Is Greek Chicken?

Greek Chicken is traditionally marinated in a blend of lemon, olive oil, oregano, and other herbs before being grilled or roasted. Sheet Pan Greek Chicken modernizes this timeless recipe by cooking both the marinated chicken and fresh veggies together on a single sheet pan. This culinary innovation honors the Greek tradition of emphasizing fresh vegetables, lean meats, and bold flavors like garlic and lemon, all while offering the added convenience that has made the sheet pan variation increasingly popular.

Ingredient Notes And Substitutions

For the Marinade:

• Lemon Juice: Adds freshness and tang, and helps tenderize the chicken. If you’re out of lemons, lime juice or white wine vinegar could be used in a pinch.
• Olive Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil provides healthy fats and richness. You could also use avocado oil, but olive oil is the traditional choice.
• Garlic: Gives depth and spiciness to the marinade. Garlic powder can be a last-minute substitute, but fresh garlic is ideal.
• Dried Oregano: This herb adds the classic Greek flavor. Fresh oregano can be used; just remember the 3:1 fresh-to-dry ratio.
• Dijon Mustard: Enhances the flavors and adds a bit of zing. Regular mustard or even stone-ground mustard could be substituted.
• Kosher Salt: Balances and intensifies the flavors. Table salt can be used, but reduce the amount by about half.
• Black Pepper: Adds a slight kick. Freshly ground is always better than pre-ground.

For the Sheet Pan:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: The protein star of the show. Thighs can be used for more juiciness and flavor.
• Zucchini: Adds a mild, earthy flavor. Swap with summer squash or even extra bell peppers if you prefer.
• Yellow Bell Pepper: Provides sweetness and color. Any bell pepper variety works well here.
• Red Onion: Offers sharpness and color contrast. White or yellow onions are okay too, but they’re milder.
• Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: Add juiciness and a natural sweetness. Roma tomatoes can also be used; just chop them into quarters.
• Kalamata Olives: These olives bring in a salty, briny element. Black or green olives can be used as an alternative.
• Feta Cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy bite. Goat cheese is an excellent substitute for a milder flavor.
• Chopped Parsley: Offers color and freshness. Fresh basil or even a sprinkle of dried herbs could be used in a pinch.

Each ingredient has its role, working together to create a harmonious and delicious meal. Substituting one or two won’t ruin the dish, but sticking to the original components will provide that authentic Greek taste we all love.

How To Make Sheet Pan Greek Chicken

These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make Greek Chicken. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

1. Start by Preheating the Oven: Turn your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a small mixing bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, dried oregano, dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. This will make about 1/3 cup of marinade.

2. Prepare the Veggies: Arrange the zucchini, yellow bell pepper, red onion, and cherry or grape tomatoes on a sheet pan. Drizzle them with half of your freshly made marinade and toss to coat. Pop them in the oven for a 15-minute roast.

3. Marinate the Chicken: As the vegetables are getting their initial roast, take your boneless, skinless chicken breast slices and place them in a different bowl. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece gets a good coating. Let this sit for about 10 minutes.

4. Add the Chicken to the Pan: Once the veggies have roasted for 15 minutes, remove the pan from the oven. Arrange the marinated chicken around the vegetables on the same sheet pan.

5. Bake Chicken and Veggies Together: Put the sheet pan back in the oven and let the chicken and vegetables bake for another 10 minutes.
6. Add Final Touches: Take the sheet pan out of the oven once more. Scatter the kalamata olives and crumble the feta cheese over the top. Place it back in the oven for an additional 5-8 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

7. Finish and Serve: Once everything is cooked to perfection, remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle it with freshly chopped parsley.

By following these streamlined steps, you’ll have a delightful Greek Chicken feast that’s easy to prepare and a pleasure to eat.

Expert Tips

1. Before you start cooking, make sure to read the entire recipe, including the Ingredient Notes section, and examine the process photos. This detailed guide will help you understand how the recipe unfolds, ensuring your Greek Chicken turns out perfect every time. All the information you need is found within the body of this recipe post, so don’t miss a thing!
2. Veggie Uniformity: For even roasting, make sure to cut your vegetables into similarly sized pieces. This ensures that everything cooks evenly and you’re not left with some pieces that are underdone while others are overcooked.
3. Oven Positioning: Place your oven rack in the middle before preheating. This allows for even heat distribution during the cooking process, helping both the chicken and vegetables to roast to perfection.
4. Temperature Check: Always check the internal temperature of your chicken to make sure it reaches 165°F (74°C). An instant-read thermometer is a quick and accurate way to do this.
5. Feta Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of feta, you can substitute it with cubes of mozzarella or even dollops of goat cheese for a different yet equally delicious flavor profile.

Recipe Variations

While the classic Sheet Pan Greek Chicken is delicious on its own, don’t hesitate to experiment a bit. Whether you’re looking to switch up flavors or adapt the dish to specific dietary needs, here are some ideas to consider.

• Vegan-Friendly: Swap the chicken for cubes of firm tofu or tempeh. Use a plant-based feta and you’ve got yourself a vegan Greek feast.
• Spicy Twist: If you’re a fan of heat, add sliced jalapeños to the vegetable mix before roasting.
• Seafood Option: Replace the chicken with shrimp or chunks of firm white fish like cod or halibut. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as seafood generally cooks faster than chicken.
• Lemon Herb Twist: For an even more lemony flavor, add lemon slices to the sheet pan along with your veggies and a sprinkling of fresh thyme or rosemary.

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