Easy Mediterranean Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe with Lemon and Olives for Perfect Weeknight Dinner
A simple, flavorful Mediterranean chicken sheet pan recipe featuring bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs roasted with lemon slices and Kalamata olives. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 large lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 cup (150 g) pitted Kalamata olives
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt, about 1 teaspoon or to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp up. Place them in a large bowl.
- Drizzle 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of extra virgin olive oil over the chicken. Add 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 4 minced garlic cloves, salt (about 1 teaspoon or to taste), and freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently to coat each piece well.
- Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up on a large rimmed baking sheet, spaced evenly.
- Tuck thin lemon slices between the chicken pieces and scatter 1 cup (150 g) of pitted Kalamata olives around the chicken.
- Roast in the oven for 35-40 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crisp. The lemons should soften and caramelize.
- Optional: About 20 minutes in, carefully turn the chicken for even browning if desired.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving.
Notes
Pat chicken skin dry before seasoning to ensure crispiness. Do not overcrowd the pan to allow even roasting. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F internal temperature). Taste before adding extra salt due to salty olives. Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end if skin needs extra crisping. Bone-in thighs keep meat juicy; if using boneless breasts, reduce roasting time to 25-30 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with
- Calories: 350400
- Fat: 2528
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2830
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, sheet pan dinner, lemon chicken, olives, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, healthy chicken, roasted chicken thighs