Three months ago, oliver asked why we always make the same chicken dinners. That question led me to this one pan mediterranean chicken - a colorful, flavorful chicken dinner that's become our most-requested weeknight meal. Using simple Mediterranean ingredients like olive oil, garlic and herbs, cherry tomatoes, and kalamata olives, this Mediterranean chicken recipe transforms plain chicken into something special while keeping cleanup to just one pan.
Why Make This One Pan Mediterranean Chicken
When you need a healthy weeknight dinner that doesn't require multiple pots and pans, this one pan mediterranean chicken is your answer. I've been making this Mediterranean chicken skillet variation for months now, and it checks every box - simple chicken recipes that are quick, nutritious, and actually taste amazing. The beauty of this sheet pan Mediterranean chicken and vegetables is how the chicken juices mingle with olive oil, lemon and oregano, creating a sauce that flavors everything in the pan. Unlike complicated recipes that dirty every dish you own, this easy cleanup recipe means you'll actually want to cook on busy nights.
What makes this baked Mediterranean chicken so reliable is its flexibility. You can use Mediterranean chicken thighs for richer flavor or Mediterranean sheet pan chicken breast for leaner protein. Throw in whatever vegetables you have - the classic sheet pan Mediterranean chicken and zucchini combo, or add bell peppers and red onion for more color. oliver loves picking out the roasted cherry tomatoes, which burst and create little pockets of sweet flavor throughout this one pot Mediterranean chicken. This Mediterranean diet recipe proves that healthy doesn't mean bland. Whether you're experienced with Mediterranean seasoning blends or new to making flavorful chicken dishes, this sheet pan dinner will become your go-to for those nights when you want good food without the fuss.
Jump to:
- Why Make This One Pan Mediterranean Chicken
- One Pan Mediterranean Chicken Ingredients
- How To Make One Pan Mediterranean Chicken
- Substitutions
- One Pan Mediterranean Chicken Variations
- Equipment For One Pan Mediterranean Chicken
- Storing Your One Pan Mediterranean Chicken
- Top Tip
- FAQ
- Easy Mediterranean Flavor in Minutes!
- Related
- Pairing
- One Pan Mediterranean Chicken
One Pan Mediterranean Chicken Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 pounds chicken thighs or chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Mediterranean Vegetables:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red onion, sliced
- ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Mediterranean Seasoning:
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
Finishing Touches:
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra lemon wedges
- Drizzle of olive oil
How To Make One Pan Mediterranean Chicken
Step 1: Prep and Season Everything
Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper for easier cleanup in this one pan recipe. Pat your chicken dry with paper towels - this step is crucial for getting that golden skin in your sheet pan Mediterranean chicken. In a small bowl, mix together your dried oregano, basil, paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, and lemon zest to create your Mediterranean seasoning blend. Rub the chicken pieces all over with olive oil, then generously coat with your spice mixture. Let them sit while you prep the vegetables - this gives the garlic and herbs time to start flavoring the meat for your Mediterranean chicken with vegetables.
Step 2: Arrange Vegetables on Pan
In a large bowl, toss your sliced zucchini, chopped bell peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and kalamata olives with 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on your sheet pan, creating space in the center or sides for your chicken. This arrangement ensures everything in your sheet pan Mediterranean chicken and vegetables cooks evenly. The vegetables will roast and caramelize around the edges while absorbing all those wonderful chicken juices, creating the base for this healthy Mediterranean chicken dinner.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Roast
Nestle your seasoned chicken pieces on top of or among the vegetables on the sheet pan. Make sure they're not overcrowded - air circulation is key to getting crispy skin on your Mediterranean sheet pan chicken breast or thighs. Drizzle everything with fresh lemon juice - this brightens all the flavors in your one pot Mediterranean chicken. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and roast for 35 to 40 minutes. Chicken thighs need the full 40 minutes, while chicken breasts might be done at 35. The chicken is ready when it reaches 165°F internal temperature and the vegetables are tender with caramelized edges.
Step 4: Add Finishing Touches
Once your sheet pan dinner is done, remove it from the oven and immediately sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over everything while it's still hot. The residual heat will slightly melt the feta, creating creamy pockets throughout your one pan mediterranean chicken. Let it rest for 5 minutes - this allows the chicken juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender in this Mediterranean chicken recipe. Just before serving, shower everything with fresh parsley and provide extra lemon wedges on the side. The brightness of fresh herbs and citrus takes this baked Mediterranean chicken from good to absolutely incredible.
Substitutions
Through testing this easy One Pan Mediterranean Chicken with various ingredients, these substitutions work beautifully:
Protein Options:
- Chicken thighs → Chicken breasts (reduce cooking time)
- Bone-in → Boneless chicken (cooks faster)
- Chicken → Salmon fillets (15-20 minutes)
- Poultry → Shrimp (10-12 minutes only)
Vegetable Swaps:
- Zucchini → Yellow squash
- Bell peppers → Eggplant chunks
- Cherry tomatoes → Sun-dried tomatoes
- Red onion → Shallots
Mediterranean Ingredients:
- Kalamata olives → Green olives
- Feta cheese → Goat cheese
- Fresh parsley → Fresh basil or dill
- Regular → Crumbled halloumi
Seasoning Alternatives:
- Dried herbs → Fresh herbs (triple the amount)
- Lemon → Lime for twist
- Mediterranean blend → Italian seasoning
- Standard → Za'atar spice blend
One Pan Mediterranean Chicken Variations
Greek Sheet Pan Chicken
- Add cubed potatoes to vegetables
- Use Greek seasoning blend
- Top with tzatziki sauce after baking
- Serve with pita bread
Sheet Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Zucchini
- Focus on zucchini as main vegetable
- Add yellow squash too
- Include plenty of garlic
- Light and fresh summer version
One Pan Mediterranean Pasta
- Add uncooked orzo to pan with broth
- Pasta cooks in chicken juices
- Creates complete meal in one dish
- Ultimate easy cleanup recipe
Spicy Mediterranean Chicken
- Add red pepper flakes to seasoning
- Include diced jalapeños
- Use spicy Italian olives
- Perfect for heat lovers
Lemon Herb Mediterranean Chicken
- Double the lemon juice and zest
- Add fresh thyme sprigs
- Extra fresh parsley finish
- Bright and citrusy
Mediterranean Chicken Meal Prep
- Make full batch on Sunday
- Portion into containers
- Stays fresh 4 days
- Perfect balanced meal prep
Equipment For One Pan Mediterranean Chicken
- Large sheet pan (18x13 inches minimum)
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife for vegetables
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs for flipping
Storing Your One Pan Mediterranean Chicken
Based on countless batches of this healthy family dinner, here's what works:
Best Fresh
- Serve one pan mediterranean chicken immediately for crispiest results
- Chicken skin is most crispy straight from oven
- Vegetables have perfect texture when fresh
- Feta cheese is creamy and melty
Make Ahead Strategy
- Prep all vegetables up to 1 day ahead
- Season chicken and refrigerate overnight
- Store components separately until baking
- Assemble and cook when ready for quick Mediterranean recipes
Refrigerator Storage (3-4 Days)
- Cool completely before storing
- Transfer to airtight container
- Separate chicken from vegetables if possible
- Reheat at 350°F for 15 minutes
Reheating Tips
- Oven method keeps texture best
- Microwave works but skin won't crisp
- Add splash of olive oil when reheating
- Mediterranean sheet pan chicken breast reheats better than thighs
Freezer Storage (2-3 Months)
- Cool completely first
- Freeze in portions for balanced meal prep
- Wrap tightly in foil then freezer bags
- Thaw overnight in refrigerator
Meal Prep Strategy:
- Cook full batch on Sunday
- Portion into 4 containers
- Pair with rice or quinoa
- Perfect high protein meal for busy weeks
Top Tip
- Four months ago, oliver was helping me make this one pan mediterranean chicken and he had a confession - he'd always picked out and thrown away the kalamata olives from his portion. I'd been adding them thinking they were part of what made it special, but he'd been secretly avoiding them the whole time because he thought all olives tasted like the canned black ones from pizza.
- That night, I let him try a kalamata olive by itself before I added them to the sheet pan Mediterranean chicken and vegetables. His eyes went wide - they're completely different! Salty, meaty, almost fruity compared to bland canned olives. He asked if he could add extra to his side of the pan. Now this kid who "hated olives" requests that we put them in everything from our Greek sheet pan chicken to pasta salads.
FAQ
What makes Ina Garten's chicken so good?
While this isn't Ina's specific recipe, her technique secrets apply - room temperature chicken, generous seasoning with olive oil and garlic, and high heat roasting. Quality ingredients like good olive oil and fresh lemon make this one pan mediterranean chicken shine. The key is not overcrowding the pan so everything caramelizes instead of steaming.
How do you season chicken in Mediterranean style?
Mediterranean chicken seasoning combines dried oregano, basil, thyme, garlic, lemon zest, and olive oil. This Mediterranean seasoning blend creates that signature flavor in our sheet pan Mediterranean chicken. Fresh parsley, feta cheese, and kalamata olives added after cooking complete the authentic Mediterranean cuisine taste without complicated spice mixes.
What is the three ingredient dinner Ina Garten makes when she's too tired to cook?
Ina's famous easy dinner is roasted chicken with bread and arugula salad. While our one pan mediterranean chicken uses more ingredients, it's similarly simple - just toss everything on a sheet pan and roast. This easy Mediterranean chicken requires minimal prep for maximum flavor, perfect for those too-tired-to-cook nights.
What is Ina Garten's most popular chicken recipe?
Ina's Engagement Roast Chicken is her most famous, but this Mediterranean chicken with vegetables shares her philosophy of simple preparation with quality ingredients. Both focus on letting good olive oil, lemon and oregano, and proper roasting technique do the work. This one pan recipe delivers that same "wow" factor with easier cleanup.
Easy Mediterranean Flavor in Minutes!
Now you have everything you need to make perfect one pan mediterranean chicken - from arranging vegetables for even cooking to oliver's olive revelation. This Mediterranean chicken recipe proves that healthy weeknight dinner doesn't have to be complicated or bland.
Craving more easy dinners? Try our Easy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Ready in 30 Minutes for comfort food that's just as quick. For stunning holiday desserts, our Easy Christmas Red Velvet Cake Roll impresses every guest. Want more Asian-inspired flavors? Our Easy Homemade Teriyaki Chicken Recipe delivers sweet and savory satisfaction!
Share your One Pan Mediterranean Chicken success! Tag @SarahAndoliverKitchen and #OnePanMediterranean. We love seeing your colorful dinners!
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Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with One Pan Mediterranean Chicken
One Pan Mediterranean Chicken
Equipment
- 1 Large sheet pan (Needed for even roasting)
- 1 Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat (For easy cleanup)
- 1 Large mixing bowl (For tossing vegetables)
- 1 Sharp knife (Vegetable prep)
- 1 Meat thermometer (Ensure 165°F internal temperature)
- 1 Tongs (Handling chicken)
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds Chicken thighs or breasts - Thighs give richer flavor
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
Mediterranean Vegetables
- 2 cups Cherry tomatoes - Halved
- 2 medium Zucchini - Sliced
- 1 Red bell pepper - Chopped
- 1 Yellow bell pepper - Chopped
- 1 Red onion - Sliced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives - Pitted
- 4 cloves Garlic - Minced
Mediterranean Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1 Lemon (zest)
- 1 Lemon (juice) - Fresh
Finishing Touches
- ½ cup Feta cheese - Crumbled
- ¼ cup Fresh parsley - Chopped
- Lemon wedges - For serving
- Olive oil - Drizzle
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry. Mix oregano, basil, paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Coat chicken with olive oil and seasoning.
- Toss tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, onion, olives, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a sheet pan in an even layer.
- Arrange seasoned chicken on the sheet pan, drizzle with lemon juice, and roast at 425°F for 35-40 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F.
- Sprinkle feta over the hot pan, rest 5 minutes, then garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
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