| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 320 | 18g | 3g | 6g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 2g | 30g | 0.8g |
There’s something utterly magical about the combination of savory and sweet that the Mediterranean Mastic Chicken brings to the table. This recipe is a harmonious blend of the delicate, distinct flavors found in Mediterranean cuisine and a touch of experimental fusion that makes your palate dance with delight. From the moment I first made this dish, it has held a special place in my culinary heart, and I’m excited to share why.
A Personal Connection
Growing up in Seattle amid the fresh sea air and abundant natural resources, I was constantly exposed to vibrant, health-conscious foods. Combining that with my Japanese heritage, I developed a deep appreciation for dishes that offer both flavor and nutrition. The Mediterranean Mastic Chicken perfectly exemplifies this harmony.
Ingredients With a Purpose
Mastics, also known as mastic tears, provide an aromatic quality that is both subtle and extraordinary. When ground and mixed with lemon juice, olive oil, and honey, they form the essential marinade that infuses the chicken with a unique depth of flavor. Mastic tears are also known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, offering a health boost alongside their culinary appeal. If you’re interested in the science behind these benefits, you might find this study on mastic’s health benefits enlightening.
The olive oil and Kalamata olives bring their monounsaturated fats and antioxidants to the table, making this dish heart-healthy without compromising on taste. The sun-dried tomatoes provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, while the garlic offers its well-known anti-inflammatory benefits. Finally, the fresh parsley not only adds a burst of color but is also a great source of vitamins A, C, and K.
Flavor That Excites
The delicate balance of cumin, coriander, and oregano combined with the fresh garlic makes each bite of the Mediterranean Mastic Chicken a burst of flavor. The marinade permeates the chicken breasts, making them juicy and tender. Meanwhile, the Kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes contribute additional layers of Mediterranean zest. This dish will captivate any audience, akin to the way a perfectly rolled sushi surprises and delights the taste buds.
Perfect Pairings
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with a range of side dishes. Consider serving it alongside a warm quinoa salad with roasted vegetables, or perhaps a light and airy couscous with a sprinkle of feta cheese. If you’re feeling adventurous, a Japanese-inspired seaweed salad could also be an intriguing compliment, merging two worlds of flavor into one cohesive meal.
In essence, the Mediterranean Mastic Chicken not only offers a flavor experience that is rich and varied, but it also comes packed with health benefits that underscore the importance of mindful, nutritious eating. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine!
What You’ll Need
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp mastic tears (ground)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step Two
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tsp ground mastic tears, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
Step Three
Add the 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the bowl and ensure each piece is thoroughly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 hours for deeper flavor.
Step Four
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken breasts and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown.
Step Five
Transfer the skillet with the chicken breasts to the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step Six
After baking, remove the skillet from the oven. Add 1/2 cup pitted and halved Kalamata olives, 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley to the skillet. Spoon the olives and tomatoes over the chicken breasts to combine the flavors.
Step Seven
Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes and then serve warm. Enjoy your Mediterranean Mastic Chicken!
