Mediterranean Baked Chicken Thighs

Name: Mediterranean Baked Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 lemon, zested and juiced; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and sliced

Highlighted under: Oven Inspiration

I absolutely love making Mediterranean Baked Chicken Thighs because they are not only flavorful but also incredibly easy to prepare. The combination of vibrant herbs and spices brings out the best in the chicken, while the baking method ensures it stays juicy and tender. This dish has quickly become a go-to for weeknight dinners in our household, as it pairs beautifully with a simple salad or roasted vegetables. Knowing that my family enjoys it as much as I do makes every bite worthwhile.

Created by

Tamsyn Calder

Last updated on 2026-02-01T23:21:35.826Z

When I first decided to make Mediterranean Baked Chicken Thighs, I was in the mood for something comforting yet refreshing. The blend of garlic, lemon, and herbs not only fills the kitchen with a delightful aroma but also makes the chicken incredibly flavorful. I usually marinate the thighs for at least an hour to maximize the taste, but even if you're short on time, 15 minutes will still work wonders.

One technique I love is searing the chicken skin-side down before baking; it gives a lovely crispy texture while ensuring the meat remains juicy. Pairing it with roasted vegetables adds a nutritious touch, making it a complete meal that never fails to impress my guests. The secret lies in using fresh herbs—they truly elevate the dish!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bursting with Mediterranean flavors that transport you to the coast
Juicy chicken thighs that stay moist and delicious
Incredibly simple preparation, perfect for busy weeknights

Marinade Magic

The marinade for these Mediterranean Baked Chicken Thighs is not just for flavor; it's essential for achieving that tender, juicy chicken. The combination of olive oil, acidic lemon juice, and fresh herbs works to break down the meat fibers, which enhances the overall texture. I recommend letting the chicken marinate for a full hour if you have the time; this allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in a more robust taste.

If fresh herbs are hard to come by, dried oregano and rosemary can serve as useful substitutes, but use them in smaller amounts—about one tablespoon of dried for every three tablespoons of fresh. Also, adjusting the amount of smoked paprika can suit personal spice preferences, with a half teaspoon more for those who love a smokier flavor.

Perfect Searing Technique

Searing the chicken skin-side down in a hot skillet is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat. It's important to avoid moving the chicken around too much; let it cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes to achieve an even sear. When the skin is a deep golden brown, you can flip the thighs, allowing the other side to cook through without losing moisture.

Should the skin stick to the pan when flipping, your skillet might not be hot enough. To remedy this, simply increase the heat slightly and let the chicken render more fat before attempting to flip again. Additionally, using a cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet can help achieve the desired sear more effectively.

Serving Suggestions

These Mediterranean Baked Chicken Thighs shine when accompanied by simple, fresh sides. A Greek salad—complete with cucumber, feta cheese, and kalamata olives—makes a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken. For a heartier side, serve it over a bed of fluffy couscous or rice, allowing the juices from the chicken and vegetables to soak into the grains.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep the meat moist. You can also shred leftover chicken for use in wraps or salads, adding versatility to your meals.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create a delightful Mediterranean meal.

Ingredients for Mediterranean Baked Chicken Thighs

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 lemon, zested and juiced
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup green olives, pitted and sliced

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you can move on to cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your baked chicken thighs.

Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, rosemary, smoked paprika, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat them well with the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 1 hour in the refrigerator.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Sear the Chicken

Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down into the skillet and sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Turn the thighs over.

Add the Vegetables

Add the cherry tomatoes and olives around the chicken in the skillet. Spoon some of the marinade over the vegetables.

Bake the Chicken

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Serve and Enjoy

Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Mediterranean Baked Chicken Thighs with your favorite sides!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the skillet before baking, which will enhance the sauce beautifully.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to lighten this dish, skinless chicken thighs or even chicken breast can be used. Keep in mind that skinless cuts may require a lower cooking time to avoid drying out. You might also consider marinating the chicken in yogurt or buttermilk for a tenderizing effect, which adds a slight tang while maintaining juiciness.

For those who need to avoid olives, capers make an excellent substitute, offering a briny flavor that complements the chicken's richness. Additionally, if fresh cherry tomatoes are unavailable, canned diced tomatoes can be used—just adjust the baking time since canned tomatoes will release more liquid.

Make-Ahead Tips

This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld even more. Just remember to keep the chicken covered and refrigerated until you're ready to cook it. If you’re preparing a large batch, consider doubling the marinade and using it for vegetables or additional proteins.

You can also bake a larger batch of chicken thighs and freeze the leftovers. Just allow them to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. When ready to enjoy, defrost overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven for the best texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless thighs; just reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

Mediterranean rice, couscous, or a fresh salad would be excellent accompaniments.

→ Can I substitute the olives?

Absolutely! You can leave them out or replace them with capers for a different flavor.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.