– **Title**: Baked Mediterranean Chicken Thighs
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 lemon, zested and juiced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
– 1/4 cup red onion, sliced
– Fresh parsley, for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice to create a marinade.
3. Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
4. In a baking dish, arrange the marinated chicken thighs skin side up. Scatter the cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and red onion around the chicken.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken thighs are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy.
6. Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoy your flavorful Mediterranean meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs because they stay juicy and flavorful. If you prefer, you can opt for boneless thighs for easier eating, though they may cook faster, so watch the time.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds a lovely richness. If you’re looking for a different flavor, feel free to use avocado oil or melted butter instead. Just keep in mind that butter will add a different taste.
Herbs: Dried oregano and thyme bring a delightful Mediterranean vibe. If you have fresh herbs, switch to those for a bolder flavor. You can also try Italian seasoning as an alternative for simplicity.
Olives: Kalamata and green olives add a nice briny touch. If you can’t find these, any pitted olives you like will work. Just try to use a mix for flavor variety!
Feta Cheese: The crumbled feta brings a salty creaminess to the dish. If you want a different cheese, goat cheese or even mozzarella can be used, but it’s best to keep that feta tang for authenticity.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Skin is Crispy?
Getting that crispy chicken skin is key! Here’s how to do it right:
- High Heat: Preheat your oven properly to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when you bake the chicken.
- Dry Skin: Pat the chicken skin dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps the skin crisp up nicely.
- Positioning: Arrange the chicken skin side up in the skillet. This way, the heat can circulate around richly flavored skin.
- Don’t Skimp on Oil: Make sure the skin has a little olive oil on it. This helps with browning.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Check that the internal temp hits 165°F (74°C) for juicy, safe chicken.
How to Make Baked Mediterranean Chicken Thighs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Vegetables:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- ½ cup green olives, pitted
- 1 lemon, sliced
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 35-40 minutes to bake. Overall, you’re looking at about 50 minutes from start to finish. It’s simple and packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is important because you want to ensure your chicken cooks perfectly and gets that nice crispy skin.
2. Season the Chicken:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to mix everything together. Now, take your chicken thighs and coat them well with this mixture, ensuring every nook and cranny is seasoned. Yum!
3. Arrange in a Baking Dish:
Grab a cast-iron skillet or a baking dish and arrange the seasoned chicken thighs in it, skin side up. This allows the skin to get crispy as they bake. Making sure they’re spaced out a bit is also a good idea.
4. Add the Vegetables:
Now it’s time to add some color! Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and green olives around the chicken thighs. This will not only add flavor but will also look beautiful!
5. Add the Lemon Slices:
Place the lemon slices on top of the chicken and among the veggies. The lemon will add a lovely bright flavor that complements the dish wonderfully.
6. Bake the Chicken:
Pop your dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. The chicken is ready when it’s cooked through and the skin is crispy; you can check the internal temperature to be sure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Finish with Feta:
Once the chicken is done, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top while it’s still hot, so it starts to melt into the dish.
8. Garnish and Serve:
For a final touch, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs. Now it’s time to dish it up! Serve your delicious Mediterranean chicken warm with a side like rice or a fresh green salad. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead of Bone-In?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs, but adjust the cooking time to about 25-30 minutes, as they cook faster. Always ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety!
What If I Don’t Have Kalamata Olives?
No worries! You can substitute Kalamata olives with any other pitted olives you prefer, such as black olives or green olives. Just keep in mind that this will alter the flavor slightly.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm in the oven until heated through. You can also add a splash of lemon juice before reheating to freshen up the flavors!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or red onions to the mix. Just chop them into similar sizes as the tomatoes for even cooking, and adjust the baking time as necessary.
