Description
Succulent Mediterranean Chicken Thighs bring sun-drenched flavors from Greece’s coastal kitchens to your dinner table. Aromatic herbs, zesty lemon, and tender chicken create a simple yet remarkable meal that connects you with Mediterranean culinary traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Herbs and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1 small zucchini, sliced (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Garnish:
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the kitchen workspace by heating the oven to a robust 400F (200C), ensuring a perfectly calibrated cooking environment.
- Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking together aromatic olive oil, zesty lemon juice, minced garlic, earthy oregano, fragrant thyme, smoky paprika, warm cumin, and a balanced blend of salt and pepper. Generously massage this flavor-packed mixture into the chicken thighs, allowing the proteins to absorb the Mediterranean essence for 10-15 minutes.
- Transform a baking dish into a colorful canvas by scattering cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, briny olives, and tender zucchini. Drizzle with olive oil and season with a delicate sprinkle of salt and pepper, creating a rustic vegetable foundation.
- Gently nestle the marinated chicken thighs among the seasoned vegetables, ensuring each piece is perfectly positioned. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and roast for 35-40 minutes, watching for the chicken to reach a safe internal temperature of 165F and develop a gloriously golden, crisp exterior.
- For those craving an extra layer of textural perfection, activate the broiler for a brief 2-3 minute transformation, creating an irresistibly crisp chicken skin that crackles with each bite.
- Complete the culinary journey by adorning the dish with crumbled feta cheese and a vibrant shower of freshly chopped parsley. Serve alongside bright lemon wedges, inviting diners to add a final burst of citrusy freshness.
Notes
- Marinate overnight to intensify flavors and tenderize chicken, creating a deeper Mediterranean taste profile.
- Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum juiciness and crispy exterior during baking.
- Pat chicken dry before marinating to help skin crisp up and prevent soggy texture.
- Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing smoked paprika and cumin for personalized heat intensity.
- For gluten-free option, ensure all spices and ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts, reducing cooking time to prevent drying out.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfect internal chicken temperature without overcooking.
- Vegetarian alternative: Replace chicken with firm tofu or large portobello mushrooms, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano for extra aromatic Mediterranean flair.
- Meal prep friendly: Dish keeps well in refrigerator for 3-4 days, making excellent next-day lunch option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg