Name: Mediterranean Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 boned-in chicken thighs with skin; Salt and ground black pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 8 whole unpeeled garlic cloves; 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes; 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives; 1/2 cup green olives with pimento; 1 lemon, cut into wedges; 4 sprigs fresh thyme; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese

Jump to Recipe·5.3 from 12 reviews

If you’ve ever craved a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and effortless charm, then these Mediterranean Chicken Thighs are about to become your new go-to. Packed with juicy, golden chicken skin, tangy olives, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fragrant herbs, this recipe is a celebration of the Mediterranean magic in every bite. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to impress friends without breaking a sweat. Trust me, the moment you taste these Mediterranean Chicken Thighs, you’ll be hooked on the perfect harmony of savory and fresh that shines on your plate.

Mediterranean Chicken Thighs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together like a culinary dream team. Each one plays a vital role in creating a dish that’s as beautiful as it is flavorful, making every bite a perfect balance of texture, color, and that unmistakable Mediterranean zest.

4 boned-in chicken thighs with skin: The star of the dish, their skin crisps up beautifully, locking in juicy flavor.
Salt and ground black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and veggies.
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve that gorgeous golden sear.
8 whole unpeeled garlic cloves: Roasting garlic in the skin softens it into sweet, mellow nuggets throughout.
2 cups halved cherry tomatoes: These burst with juicy freshness and color, balancing savory bites.
1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives: Their briny depth adds a welcome Mediterranean edge.
1/2 cup green olives with pimento: Another layer of salty, tangy complexity to complement the kalamatas.
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Provides a touch of subtle acidity and sweetness to tie everything together.
1/2 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances the dish’s flavors without overpowering.
1 lemon, cut into wedges: Bright lemon wedges add fresh citrus notes during baking.
4 sprigs fresh thyme: Aromatic herb that brings warmth and earthiness.
2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese: Finishing touch for creamy, tangy bursts with every bite.

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F. Then, pat your boned-in chicken thighs dry—this step is key to getting that skin crispy and golden. Gently season both sides with salt and black pepper, making sure every piece is ready to soak up the rest of the flavors.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken Thighs

Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot and shimmering, place the chicken thighs skin side down. Let them cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes or until the skin reaches a golden brown perfection. Flip the thighs and brown the other side for an additional 5 minutes. If your skillet isn’t big enough to fit all chicken, do this step in batches, adding more oil as needed to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Prepare the Flavorful Mediterranean Mixture

While your chicken is browning, grab a large bowl and toss together the garlic cloves, halved cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, green olives with pimento, the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and sea salt. This vibrant mix will infuse the dish with the classic tangy and savory notes of the Mediterranean.

Step 4: Layer and Bake to Perfection

Once your chicken has browned beautifully, transfer the pieces to a plate and keep warm. Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then wipe it clean to avoid burning. Spread the tomato and olive mixture evenly in the skillet’s bottom. Nestle the chicken thighs on top, then tuck lemon wedges and fresh thyme sprigs in between pieces. If you don’t have a large oven-proof skillet, transfer everything to an 8×8 baking pan. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Right before serving, crumble the feta cheese over the dish for that final burst of creamy, salty goodness.

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Thighs

Garnishes

A sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese is an absolute must—it balances the savory umami from the olives with creamy tang. Fresh thyme or a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving also adds that fresh and fragrant touch that elevates the dish.

Side Dishes

Mediterranean Chicken Thighs pair wonderfully with simple lemony couscous, fluffy rice pilaf, or even a fresh arugula salad. These sides absorb the rich juices beautifully, helping to round out the meal with complementary textures and tastes without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic, family-style feel, serve everything right from the skillet at the table—invite everyone to help themselves to the colorful medley of chicken, olives, and tomatoes. Alternatively, plating each portion with a wedge of lemon on the side adds a bright, fresh pop and looks picture-perfect for dinner guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Mediterranean Chicken Thighs keep beautifully in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making next-day meals irresistible.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes well. Transfer cooled leftovers into a freezer-safe container, separating chicken from the tomato and olive sauce if possible. Freeze for up to 3 months; just remember to thaw thoroughly in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low-medium heat to prevent dry chicken, or warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help maintain moisture and freshness.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs will cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on them during baking to avoid drying out, but the flavors remain just as fantastic.

What if I don’t have kalamata or green olives?

You can substitute with any salty, briny olive you like, or even capers for a similar zing. Just make sure they’re pitted to keep things easy to eat.

Is it necessary to use an oven-proof skillet?

It’s ideal because it makes the transition from stove to oven seamless, but if you don’t have one, just transfer your browned chicken and Mediterranean mix to a baking dish before baking.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. The dish is already bursting with flavor, so you won’t miss a thing.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should read 165°F. The juices should also run clear when pierced.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting and exciting about Mediterranean Chicken Thighs—a dish that’s as easy as it is flavorful, and flexible enough for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these chicken thighs will win your heart and your taste buds. So go ahead, dive into this recipe, and treat yourself to a burst of Mediterranean sunshine right from your kitchen!