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Easy Mediterranean Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe with Feta and Olives for Perfect Weeknight Dinners

Mediterranean chicken sheet pan - featured image

A simple and flavorful Mediterranean chicken sheet pan recipe featuring juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs roasted with Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 46 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (1.52 lbs / 680900 g)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 whole lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 cup Kalamata olives (about 150 g), pitted and halved
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes (about 300 g), halved or whole
  • 1 medium red onion, cut into wedges
  • 6 ounces feta cheese (170 g), crumbled
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional fresh herbs: parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place them in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Add 3 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried oregano, about 1 teaspoon salt, and about ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper to the chicken. Toss well to coat evenly. Let sit for 10 minutes if possible.
  4. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the red onion into wedges, and halve the pitted Kalamata olives.
  5. Spread the marinated chicken thighs skin-side up on one half of a rimmed baking sheet. Scatter the tomatoes, onions, and olives on the other half. Drizzle any leftover marinade over the veggies.
  6. Roast in the oven for 30–35 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
  7. In the last 5 minutes of roasting, sprinkle the crumbled feta over the veggies and chicken if desired. Return to the oven to warm the cheese without melting it completely.
  8. Remove from oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before marinating helps achieve crispy skin. Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure even roasting. Add feta cheese in the last 5 minutes to keep its texture. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after roasting to redistribute juices. Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end if you want extra crispy skin. Marinating overnight enhances flavor but is optional. For a smoky flavor, add smoked paprika to the marinade. Toss veggies halfway through roasting for even cooking if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, sheet pan dinner, chicken thighs, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, easy weeknight dinner, healthy chicken recipe