If you’re looking for a vibrant, bursting-with-flavor meal that just about does itself in the oven, then you absolutely need to try this Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of juicy, crispy chicken thighs, tender roasted vegetables, briny olives, and tangy feta cheese all coming together in one pan. With Mediterranean-inspired herbs and a fresh lemony marinade, this dish is a total game changer for easy weeknight dinners or when you want to impress guests without fuss. Trust me, once you make this, it will instantly become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color in the Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner Recipe. The olive oil and lemon juice form the zesty base, the herbs add that unmistakable Greek charm, and the mix of vegetables brings freshness and sweetness to the dish.
- ½ cup olive oil: Adds richness and helps everything roast beautifully with a lovely golden finish.
- 1 lemon (juiced, about 3 tablespoons): Brings a bright acidity that balances the savory flavors perfectly.
- 4 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic notes that make it irresistible.
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano: The quintessential Greek herb that offers earthy, slightly minty undertones.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Provides subtle depth and pairs wonderfully with the oregano.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle tang and helps emulsify the marinade.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the ingredients’ natural flavors without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Gives just enough warmth and complexity.
- 6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on): Perfect for juicy, tender meat with crispy skin.
- 1 medium zucchini (halved lengthwise and sliced): Adds mild sweetness and a pleasant bite when roasted.
- 1 yellow bell pepper (chopped into 1-inch pieces): Offers vibrant color and sweet crunch.
- ½ large red onion (thinly sliced into wedges): Contributes sharpness that softens beautifully as it roasts.
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes: Burst with juicy sweetness when roasted, complementing the savory chicken.
- ½ cup kalamata olives (pitted): Brings a salty, briny punch that is quintessentially Greek.
- ¼ cup feta cheese: Adds creamy, tangy richness that melts slightly when baked.
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley: Refreshes the dish with a bright herbal note and pretty finish.
How to Make Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Marinade
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This marinade is the magic that infuses the chicken and veggies with that signature Greek flair.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and pour about two-thirds of the marinade over them. Toss everything with your hands to make sure each piece is evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate for 10 to 15 minutes to soak up those beautiful Mediterranean flavors.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
While the chicken is marinating, spread the sliced zucchini, chopped yellow bell pepper, red onion wedges, and cherry tomatoes on a large baking sheet. Drizzle the remaining marinade over the vegetables and toss gently to coat them all evenly. This ensures every bite will have a balanced flavor profile.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Nestle the marinated chicken thighs onto the baking sheet, arranging them around the vegetables so everything cooks evenly. Pop the whole pan in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. This will give the chicken a wonderfully crisp skin and allow the vegetables to begin softening.
Step 5: Add Olives and Feta
Remove the baking sheet from the oven, scatter the kalamata olives and feta cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the vegetables are perfectly tender. The olives and feta melt slightly, creating luxurious pockets of savory goodness.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Parsley
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and vegetables. This little finishing touch brightens everything up and adds a pop of color that makes your Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner Recipe absolutely irresistible.
How to Serve Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish even further, I love adding a few extra sprigs of fresh parsley, a light drizzle of good quality olive oil, or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving. Thin slices of extra feta or a few whole olives on the side also make a lovely salty bite.
Side Dishes
Although this one-pan meal can stand on its own, serving it alongside warm pita bread, a crisp Greek salad, or a light couscous pilaf can complement the flavors beautifully. A side of tzatziki sauce is an absolute winner to add a cool, creamy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make the meal feel extra special, serve the chicken and roasted veggies family-style right from the sheet pan on a rustic wooden board. Alternatively, plate individual servings with a sprig of fresh herbs and a lemon wedge for a simple yet elegant presentation that looks straight out of a Mediterranean café.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken and vegetables can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after resting, making great salads or wraps the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that roasted vegetables may lose some texture after freezing, but the chicken will retain its flavor well.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftovers in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave for a quicker option, covering to retain moisture. Crisp the chicken skin with a quick blast under the broiler if desired.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can swap chicken thighs for breasts, but keep in mind breasts cook faster and can dry out more easily. Adjust the baking time accordingly and consider marinating a bit longer for extra juiciness.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! This Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you double-check that your Dijon mustard doesn’t contain gluten.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken a few hours or even the night before for deeper flavor. However, I recommend assembling and baking just before serving for the best texture.
What other vegetables work well in this dish?
Feel free to add or swap in vegetables like asparagus, eggplant, or green beans depending on what’s fresh and in season. Just adjust cooking times so everything finishes perfectly together.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you love a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes to the marinade or toss sliced jalapeños with the vegetables before baking for a nice kick.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that blends effortless cooking with Mediterranean comfort and flair. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a wholesome, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it out and share it with your friends and family—you’re going to love how easy and delicious it is!
Print
Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and easy Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner featuring juicy marinated chicken thighs baked with fresh vegetables, olives, and feta cheese, providing a flavorful and healthy Mediterranean meal all cooked on one pan for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Marinade
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 lemon (juiced, about 3 tablespoons)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1 medium zucchini (halved lengthwise and sliced)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (chopped into 1-inch pieces)
- ½ large red onion (thinly sliced into wedges)
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
- ½ cup kalamata olives (pitted)
- ¼ cup feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Make the marinade: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and pour two-thirds of the prepared marinade over them. Use your hands to toss and coat the chicken thoroughly. Let it marinate for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the chicken is marinating, spread the zucchini slices, chopped yellow bell pepper, red onion wedges, and cherry or grape tomatoes evenly on a large sheet pan. Drizzle the remaining one-third of the marinade over the vegetables and toss gently to coat them well.
- Add chicken and bake: Nestle the marinated chicken thighs among the vegetables on the baking sheet. Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake everything for 30 minutes, allowing the chicken to start cooking and the vegetables to soften slightly.
- Add olives and feta, then continue baking: Remove the baking sheet from the oven carefully. Scatter the pitted kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are tender.
- Garnish and serve: Once baked, sprinkle the dish with finely chopped fresh parsley. Serve the Greek sheet pan chicken and vegetables hot, enjoying the vibrant Mediterranean flavors all from one pan.
Notes
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs offer the juiciest and most flavorful result, but you can substitute with boneless if preferred; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Marinating the chicken for longer (up to 2 hours) will deepen the flavor, but 10 to 15 minutes works well for a quick meal.
- Feel free to swap out vegetables based on seasonality or preference—eggplant, mushrooms, or green beans work great.
- Resting the chicken a few minutes after baking lets the juices redistribute for better tenderness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (74°C) inside.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free and suitable for a Mediterranean diet.