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Easy Crispy Sheet Pan Mediterranean Chicken Recipe for Perfect Weeknight Dinners

crispy sheet pan mediterranean chicken - featured image

A quick and easy sheet pan meal featuring crispy chicken thighs and roasted Mediterranean vegetables, perfect for busy weeknights with bold, bright flavors and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 medium red onion, cut into wedges
  • 2 medium bell peppers, sliced
  • 2 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and allow it to reach temperature for about 15 minutes.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken thighs in this mixture until evenly coated.
  4. In a separate bowl, toss the red onion, bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, a pinch of salt, and additional oregano if desired. Add olives if using.
  5. Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up on a large rimmed sheet pan, spaced out for air circulation. Surround with the prepared vegetables in a single layer.
  6. Roast in the oven for 30-35 minutes until the chicken skin is golden and crispy and the vegetables are tender with browned edges. Halfway through cooking (around 15 minutes), gently turn the vegetables with tongs for even roasting; do not flip the chicken.
  7. Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer (should read 165°F/74°C) or cut into a piece to ensure juices run clear.
  8. Once out of the oven, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken and vegetables and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
  9. Let the chicken rest a few minutes before serving to lock in juices.
  10. Optional: If chicken skin isn’t crispy enough, broil for 2-3 minutes watching closely to avoid burning.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispy skin. Do not overcrowd the pan to allow proper roasting instead of steaming. If skin isn’t crispy enough, broil for 2-3 minutes carefully. Leftovers reheat best in oven or skillet to maintain crispiness. Can substitute boneless chicken thighs but watch cooking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: sheet pan chicken, Mediterranean chicken, crispy chicken thighs, roasted vegetables, easy weeknight dinner, healthy chicken recipe, one pan meal