Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner
Discover a flavorful Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner that’s quick, easy, and perfect for a healthy weeknight meal packed with vibrant herbs. This wholesome dish brings together juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and zesty Mediterranean flavors all in one pan, making cleanup a breeze and dinner a delight. Whether you’re aiming for a nutritious meal or a fuss-free recipe full of freshness, this Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner delivers every time with a burst of color, taste, and nutritious goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan convenience: Everything cooks together on one sheet pan for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor melding.
- Healthy and balanced: Packed with lean protein and vibrant vegetables, it’s a nourishing choice for any night.
- Bright Greek flavors: Fresh herbs, lemon, and garlic create an irresistible taste that feels like a Mediterranean getaway.
- Quick prep: Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy evenings without sacrificing deliciousness.
- Highly adaptable: Easily tweak veggies and seasonings to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner keeps things refreshingly simple. Each ingredient plays a vital role: tender chicken thighs for juicy protein, fresh herbs for that iconic Greek zing, and colorful vegetables that add texture and nutrition. The blend of lemon, garlic, and olive oil brings everything together harmoniously.
- Chicken thighs: Skin-on, bone-in works best for moist, flavorful meat that crisps nicely.
- Red potatoes: Add heartiness and soak up the delicious lemon garlic sauce.
- Cherry tomatoes: Burst with sweetness and vibrant color after roasting.
- Kalamata olives: Bring a salty, briny punch to balance the dish.
- Red onion: Offers a mild sharpness that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
- Garlic cloves: Essential for that irresistible aromatic depth.
- Lemon juice and zest: Provide brightness and a touch of acidity to elevate flavors.
- Fresh oregano and thyme: Classic Greek herbs that infuse every bite with a garden-fresh taste.
- Olive oil: Helps crisp the chicken and veggies while adding rich, fruity notes.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance and balance the natural flavors.
Variations for Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner
Feel free to personalize this Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner to suit your mood, pantry, or special diets. It’s remarkably forgiving and flexible, so play around with ingredients and discover what excites your taste buds the most.
- Swap chicken thighs for breasts: If you prefer leaner meat, use skin-on chicken breasts for a lighter option.
- Vegetable swaps: Try adding zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for extra color and crunch.
- Make it spicy: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or add sliced spicy peppers for a kick.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice: For a more intense citrus flavor, boost the lemon amount or add orange zest.
- Include feta cheese: Crumble fresh feta over the dish just before serving for creamy tang.
How to Make Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, zest, minced garlic, fresh oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. This marinade will infuse your chicken and vegetables with that unmistakable Greek flavor.
Step 2: Toss the Chicken and Vegetables
Add the chicken thighs, halved potatoes, sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives to the marinade. Toss everything thoroughly so each piece is coated with the fragrant mixture.
Step 3: Arrange on the Sheet Pan
Spread the chicken and veggies evenly on a large baking sheet, making sure the chicken skin faces up to achieve crispiness. Give everything enough space so vegetables roast rather than steam.
Step 4: Roast Until Golden and Juicy
Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 35 to 40 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the potatoes should be fork-tender with nicely caramelized edges.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle extra fresh oregano, a squeeze of lemon, and optional feta for that authentic Greek finish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Pro Tips for Making Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner
- Pat chicken dry: Dry skin crisps better when roasted, so blot the chicken with paper towels before marinating.
- Use similar-sized vegetables: Ensuring uniform size means even cooking across the pan.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Leave space between ingredients to allow proper browning and roast, avoiding steaming.
- Rest after roasting: Let the chicken rest a few minutes so juices redistribute and stay juicy.
- Customize the herbs: If fresh oregano or thyme aren’t available, dried versions work fine—just adjust quantity accordingly.
How to Serve Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner
Garnishes
Top with freshly chopped parsley, crumbled feta cheese, and a lemon wedge to brighten the dish right before serving. These simple touches bring freshness, creaminess, and a bit of zing that complements the roasted flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside fluffy couscous, warm pita bread, or a crisp Greek salad for a well-rounded meal. A dollop of tzatziki or yogurt sauce also makes a delightful cooling accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the chicken and vegetables in a rustic serving platter for casual family dinners or portion onto individual plates and drizzle with herb oil and feta for a charming dinner party presentation. Adding edible flowers or lemon slices adds a visual pop that feels special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow leftovers to cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish reheats well and often tastes even better as the flavors meld overnight.
Freezing
Freeze cooked chicken and vegetables separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through to keep the chicken skin crispy. Avoid microwaving when possible to prevent sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine but may cook faster and can dry out more easily, so watch them closely during roasting.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a safe and tasty option for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Can I prepare this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like portobello mushrooms or chickpeas baked with the same marinade.
How can I make it spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade or sprinkle sliced hot peppers over the pan before roasting for a spicy twist.
What type of potatoes work best?
Red potatoes or baby Yukon golds are ideal because they roast evenly and maintain a creamy interior with a crispy exterior.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner is a true game-changer for weeknight meals. It’s effortless to prepare, packed with vibrant flavors, and beautifully balanced in nutrition. I can’t wait for you to try it, share it, and make it your own go-to dinner. Once you experience how simple and scrumptious this one-pan delight is, it might just become a new favorite in your kitchen!
Related Posts
PrintGreek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner
A vibrant and healthy Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner combining juicy bone-in chicken thighs with red potatoes, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and fresh herbs. This one-pan meal delivers bold Mediterranean flavors with lemon, garlic, oregano, and thyme, perfect for a quick, fuss-free weeknight dinner that’s wholesome and bursting with freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Chicken and Main Ingredients
- 4–6 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
- 1.5 pounds red potatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
Marinade and Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt, to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
- Black pepper, to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, fresh oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a fragrant marinade that will infuse the chicken and vegetables.
- Toss the Chicken and Vegetables: Add the chicken thighs, halved red potatoes, sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives to the marinade. Toss everything thoroughly until each piece is evenly coated with the marinade.
- Arrange on the Sheet Pan: Spread the chicken and vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet, making sure the chicken skin is facing up for maximum crispiness. Leave space between pieces to allow proper roasting instead of steaming.
- Roast Until Golden and Juicy: Place the sheet pan in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) and roast for 35 to 40 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the potatoes should be fork-tender with caramelized edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle extra fresh oregano, a squeeze of lemon juice, and optionally crumble fresh feta cheese over the top. Serve immediately while hot, garnished with chopped parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels before marinating for crispier skin.
- Use vegetables of similar size for even cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; leave space so ingredients roast properly instead of steaming.
- Let chicken rest a few minutes after roasting to allow juices to redistribute.
- If fresh herbs are unavailable, dried oregano and thyme work fine; adjust amounts accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Greek chicken dinner, sheet pan chicken, Mediterranean chicken, one pan meal, healthy chicken dinner, roasted chicken with vegetables
