Bring the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your dinner table with this Mediterranean Baked Chicken with Tomatoes and Olives. Juicy chicken thighs baked with ripe tomatoes, briny olives, garlic, and aromatic herbs make for a simple yet elegant dish full of bold, comforting flavors. Perfect for a weeknight meal or entertaining guests!
🕒 Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Easy
🛒 Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on for best flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup Kalamata or green olives, pitted
- ½ cup sliced red onion
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
🍳 Equipment Needed
- Baking dish or ovenproof skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Knife & cutting board
- Spoon
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Pat chicken thighs dry. Rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 3: Assemble in Baking Dish
In a baking dish, place the chicken thighs skin-side up. Surround with cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, and garlic. Drizzle with lemon juice and a little more olive oil.
Step 4: Bake
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) and the skin is golden brown. Halfway through, spoon some of the pan juices over the chicken to keep it moist.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh parsley or basil over the top. Serve hot with the pan-roasted tomatoes and olives.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with steamed rice or couscous
- Pair with a fresh Greek salad
- Great with crusty bread to soak up the juices
- Add roasted vegetables for a complete meal
🔥 Tips for Best Results
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra flavor and juiciness
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—allow chicken to bake evenly
- Spoon pan juices over the chicken during baking to enhance flavor
- For extra Mediterranean aroma, add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary
🥗 Variations
- Low-Carb Version: Serve with cauliflower rice instead of grains
- Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes
- Extra Veggies: Include zucchini or bell peppers
- White Wine: Add ¼ cup white wine to the pan for extra depth
🧾 Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 350–400
- Protein: 28–30g
- Carbs: 6–8g
- Fat: 24–26g
💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy Mediterranean-style meal
- Juicy, tender chicken with aromatic roasted vegetables
- Bold flavors with minimal effort
- Perfect for weeknights or entertaining
