Description
This Greek Chicken Bake is a vibrant and easy-to-make one-pan meal combining juicy chicken thighs with tangy lemon, aromatic garlic and oregano, colorful vegetables, Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, it delivers fresh Mediterranean flavors with minimal preparation and cleanup, offering a nutritious and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4–6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Toppings
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade and Chicken: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken thighs in this mixture to coat thoroughly, allowing the flavors to begin infusing as you prepare the rest.
- Arrange Vegetables and Chicken: In your baking dish, spread halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onions, and Kalamata olives evenly. Nestle the marinated chicken thighs atop the vegetables, ensuring they are skin-side up for crisping.
- Bake Until Golden and Tender: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is golden and slightly crisp. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Add Feta and Final Touches: Remove the bake from the oven and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top. Let it rest for a few minutes so the feta softens slightly before serving, enhancing the creamy texture.
Notes
- Pat chicken dry before marinating to help crisp the skin during baking.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or overnight for enhanced flavor and tenderness.
- Use fresh lemon zest for brighter citrus aroma instead of relying solely on lemon juice.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; allow enough space for the chicken and vegetables to roast evenly.
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg