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Easy One-Pan Mediterranean Chicken Recipe with Olives and Feta

one-pan mediterranean chicken - featured image

A quick and flavorful one-pan Mediterranean chicken dish with olives and feta, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Juicy chicken thighs roast alongside briny olives and creamy feta for a vibrant, rustic meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted (150 g)
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (75 g)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (150 g) – optional
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 medium lemon, zested and juiced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 4-5 minutes without moving. Flip and sear the other side for 3 minutes.
  4. Remove the chicken briefly onto a plate. Lower heat to medium, add minced garlic and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and tomatoes soften.
  5. Add olives and lemon zest to the pan, stirring to combine. Return chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them among the tomatoes and olives.
  6. Drizzle remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and lemon juice over the chicken and veggies. Sprinkle red pepper flakes if using.
  7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
  8. Remove from oven and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top. Let sit for 5 minutes to soften the feta.
  9. Serve warm straight from the skillet.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for crispy skin. Sear chicken before roasting to lock in juices. Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for best flavor and moisture. Adjust oven time for different pan sizes or chicken pieces. Let dish rest after roasting for juiciness. For dairy-free, omit or replace feta with vegan cheese. Rinse olives to reduce sodium if desired. Reheat leftovers gently in oven to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, one-pan chicken, olives, feta, quick dinner, easy recipe, chicken thighs, healthy dinner