Roasted Mediterranean Chicken Thighs & Baby Potatoes Recipe

This Roasted Mediterranean Chicken Thighs & Baby Potatoes recipe is pure comfort food with a sun-kissed twist. Juicy, tender chicken thighs roasted to golden perfection with crispy-edged baby potatoes, all seasoned with bold Mediterranean flavors like garlic, lemon, oregano, and olive oil—this is a weeknight dinner dream! Everything cooks in one pan, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, and you’ll have a wholesome, satisfying meal on the table in under an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Wonder: Less mess, less fuss. Everything roasts together in one pan for ease and convenience.
• Bold Mediterranean Flavors: Garlic, lemon, olive oil, herbs—these classic ingredients infuse the dish with rich, vibrant flavor.
• Perfect Texture Combo: Crispy, golden potatoes meet juicy, well-seasoned chicken thighs. What more could you want?
• Great for Weeknights or Entertaining: Simple enough for a busy evening but elegant enough to serve to guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this flavor-packed recipe, plus why each ingredient matters:

• Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are key for juicy meat and crispy skin.
• Baby Potatoes: These roast up beautifully—crispy on the outside, creamy inside. Leave the skins on for texture and nutrients.
• Olive Oil: The foundation of Mediterranean cooking, it adds richness and helps everything crisp up nicely.
• Lemon Juice & Zest: Brightens and balances the richness of the chicken. Always zest before juicing for maximum flavor!
• Garlic: Use fresh cloves for the best depth of flavor. It roasts into a mellow, savory bite.
• Red Onion: Adds sweetness and color, and it caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
• Cherry Tomatoes: These soften and burst in the oven, creating a simple, savory sauce.
• Kalamata Olives: Their salty, briny punch brings an authentic Mediterranean feel.
• Oregano & Thyme: Dried or fresh herbs both work—these are the backbone of the herb blend.
• Paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and beautiful color to the chicken.
• Salt & Pepper: Season boldly! Potatoes and chicken need enough salt to bring their flavors to life.

Variations

Want to put your own spin on this dish? Here are a few ways to change things up:

• Add Veggies: Toss in zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant chunks for a veggie-packed version.
• Make It Spicy: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne for a gentle heat.
• Swap the Olives: Try green olives or capers if you prefer a different briny touch.
• Use Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts work too—just reduce cook time to avoid drying them out.
• Vegan Version: Skip the chicken and add chickpeas or tofu for a plant-based twist. Increase the veggies for bulk.

How to Make Roasted Mediterranean Chicken Thighs & Baby Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet or shallow roasting pan with parchment or lightly oil it.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this marinade generously over the chicken thighs, getting it under the skin for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Arrange the Pan

Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on the baking sheet. Scatter halved baby potatoes, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onions, and olives all around. Drizzle everything with a bit more olive oil, and sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Roast

Roast in the oven for about 40–45 minutes, or until the chicken skin is golden and crisp, and the potatoes are tender. For extra crispy skin, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a final squeeze of lemon juice and some fresh parsley if you like. Serve hot, straight from the pan.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Pat Chicken Dry First: This helps the skin crisp up instead of steaming in the oven.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give everything some breathing room so it roasts instead of steams.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: For juicy chicken, aim for 165°F internal temperature.
• Toss the Potatoes in Oil Separately: This ensures they roast evenly and don’t dry out.

How to Serve

This dish doesn’t need much else—it’s hearty and satisfying on its own—but here are a few ideas to round out your meal:

Garnishes:

Top with crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, or a light sprinkle of sumac for extra zing.

Side Dishes:

Pair with a crisp cucumber-tomato salad, warm pita bread, or a dollop of hummus or tzatziki on the side.

Wine Pairing:

A glass of dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir works beautifully with the Mediterranean spices.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better the next day!

Freezing

Freeze the cooked chicken and potatoes separately in freezer-safe containers. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave on medium power for a quick fix. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to keep things moist.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Yes, boneless thighs work well if you’re short on time—they cook faster and are easier to eat. Just reduce the cooking time by about 10–15 minutes and watch to avoid overcooking.

What if I don’t like olives?
No worries—just skip them! You can add capers, sun-dried tomatoes, or simply leave the salty element out altogether. The dish will still be full of flavor.

Can I prep this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Marinate the chicken and chop the veggies up to a day in advance. Store everything in the fridge, then assemble and roast when you’re ready.

How do I get the chicken skin really crispy?
Make sure the skin is dry before seasoning, roast at high heat (425°F), and don’t cover the pan. Broiling for the last few minutes also adds that extra crunch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy, these Roasted Mediterranean Chicken Thighs & Baby Potatoes are calling your name. With bold flavors and a no-fuss, one-pan method, this recipe is tailor-made for busy weeknights—or when you simply want a satisfying, beautiful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your dinner rotation!

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