Mediterranean Creamy Lemon Chicken Bake

This Mediterranean Creamy Lemon Chicken Bake has a flavorful texture. We prepare this chicken bake with Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, chicken broth, oregano, thyme, parsley, chicken breasts, smoked paprika, and onion powder. This chicken bake contains approximately 390 calories and 6 g net carbs. We bake this creamy lemon chicken in just 45 minutes. This Mediterranean Creamy Lemon Chicken Bake is ideal for healthy family dinners, meal prep, special occasions, cozy evenings, high-protein meals, and Mediterranean diet plans. You can refrigerate the remainders for 4 days or freeze them for 2 months, so you can prepare them earlier. You can serve this chicken bake with Lemon Herb Quinoa, Roasted Asparagus, Greek Salad, Whole Wheat Pita, or Garlic Green Beans.

STATS:

• Course: Main Course
• Calories: 390 kcal
• Diet: Mediterranean
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Portion Size: 1 chicken breast
• Cooking Method: Oven
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Total Time: 45 minutes

EQUIPMENT:

• Baking dish
• Bowl
• Whisk
• Garlic press
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Silicone spatula
• Meat thermometer

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Black pepper, half tsp.
• One tsp. oregano
• Thyme, one tsp.
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ½ cup chicken broth
• Dijon mustard, one tsp.
• One tsp. lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon parsley
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon basil
• Lemon slices

INGREDIENT NOTES & THEIR SUBSTITUTIONS:

CHICKEN BREASTS:

• Chicken breasts are used because they become tender and juicy while absorbing the creamy lemon sauce.

PARMESAN CHEESE:

• Parmesan cheese thickens the sauce and gives it a delicious, nutty taste. You can substitute it with Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano.

OLIVE OIL:

• Extra virgin olive oil provides healthy fats and authentic Mediterranean flavor. Alternatively, use avocado oil, sunflower oil, or melted butter.

CHICKEN BROTH:

• Chicken broth creates a smooth, flavorful sauce without making it too heavy. Instead, use vegetable broth or low-sodium bone broth.

LEMON JUICE:

• The sharp citrus flavor of fresh lemon juice counteracts the sauce’s heaviness. Bottled lemon juice or fresh lime juice can be used instead.

DIJON MUSTARD:

• Dijon mustard enhances the sauce with mild tanginess and depth of flavor. As an alternative, use whole-grain mustard or yellow mustard.

MEDITERRANEAN HERBS:

• Oregano, thyme, basil, and parsley provide classic Mediterranean aroma and freshness.

PARSLEY:

• Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh herbal finish to the dish.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Warm the oven to 375°Fahrenheit and gently coat a dish.
2. Completely dry the chicken and garnish with onion powder, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, thyme, pepper, and oregano.
3. Stir the minced garlic, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, chicken broth, and lemon juice in a dish till smoother.
4. Put the chicken in a dish.
5. Spread the creamy lemon sauce uniformly on the chicken.
6. Bake it without covering for almost thirty minutes.
7. Cool the chicken for only 5 minutes.
8. Add the lemon slices, parsley, Parmesan, and basil, and then serve.

TIPS:

• Include cherry tomatoes or spinach, and then bake for additional veggies.
• Utilize freshly squeezed lemon juice to get a perfect flavor.
• Do not cook the chicken too much to retain its juicy texture.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

GRAIN & RICE DISHES:

• Lemon Herb Quinoa
• Brown Rice Pilaf
• Whole Wheat Couscous
• Bulgur Wheat
• Farro Pilaf

VEGETABLE SIDE DISHES:

• Garlic Roasted Broccoli
• Grilled Zucchini
• Roasted Asparagus
• Sautéed Green Beans
• Mediterranean Roasted Cauliflower

FRESH SALADS:

• Greek Salad
• Cucumber Tomato Salad
• Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
• Spinach Feta Salad
• Arugula Parmesan Salad

BREAD & MEDITERRANEAN SIDES:

• Whole Wheat Pita Bread
• Garlic Herb Focaccia
• Olive Bread
• Warm Mediterranean Flatbread
• Hummus with Fresh Vegetables

STORAGE INFORMATION:

FRIDGE:

• Store the leftovers for three to four days in a locked box.

FREEZER:

• Store this chicken bake for approx. 40 to 60 days.

FAQs:

Could we utilize chicken thighs?

• Yes, you can use chicken thighs as a perfect  alternative.

Could we make this chicken bake beforehand?

• It is possible to prepare this chicken bake in advance, refrigerate it for nearly a full day, and then bake it.

Which veggies could we bake with the chicken?

• You can use cherry tomatoes, spinach, bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and broccoli.

NUTRITIONAL FACTS:

Net Carbs: 6 g

Calories: 390 kcal

Total Carbs: 7 g

Fiber: 1 g

Sugar: 4 g

Sodium: 470 mg

Protein: 46 g

Fat: 18 g

Portion Size: 1 chicken breast