🥘Roasted Mediterranean Chicken Thighs & Baby Potatoes: A One-Pan Dinner Packed with Flavor

Introduction: A Rustic One-Pan Meal with Deep Mediterranean Roots

From sun-soaked villages in Greece to seaside kitchens in Southern Italy, the tradition of roasting chicken with herbs, lemon, and vegetables has long been a cornerstone of Mediterranean home cooking. This simple yet flavorful dish channels that legacy—bringing together bone-in chicken thighs, baby potatoes, and aromatic herbs for a dinner that’s deeply satisfying and surprisingly easy to make.

Traditionally prepared in clay ovens and open fires, this modern take uses just a single sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze without sacrificing the bold, earthy flavors that define the region. Garlic, paprika, oregano, thyme, and lemon work in harmony to create a deeply savory marinade, while the crispy-skinned chicken and tender potatoes soak up all the goodness in one glorious roast.

Whether you’re serving it up for a cozy weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests with minimal effort, this one-pan Mediterranean chicken recipe is as convenient as it is craveable.

🌍 Top Countries That Love Mediterranean Chicken:

1. Greece 🇬🇷

2. Italy 🇮🇹

3. Spain 🇪🇸

4. Lebanon 🇱🇧

5. Turkey 🇹🇷

6. Morocco 🇲🇦

7. France 🇫🇷

8. Israel 🇮🇱

9. Tunisia 🇹🇳

10. Egypt 🇪🇬

🔪 What You’ll Need to Make Roasted Mediterranean Chicken & Potatoes

This one-pan Mediterranean chicken dinner keeps things beautifully simple. No special equipment, no complicated prep—just classic ingredients and basic kitchen tools that deliver huge flavor with minimal mess.

🍴 Kitchen Tools

Make prep and cleanup effortless with these essentials:

• Large baking sheet or roasting pan – Wide enough to let ingredients roast, not steam

• Mixing bowl – For marinating the chicken

• Garlic press or grater – To quickly mince garlic

• Tongs or spatula – For arranging and flipping ingredients

🧽 Pro Tip: Line your pan with parchment or foil for easier cleanup.

🧂 Pantry Staples

These bring the bold, sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean right into your oven:

• Olive oil – Rich and essential for roasting

• Dried oregano and thyme – Classic herbs of the region

• Paprika – Adds color and a hint of sweetness

• Salt and black pepper – For balance and seasoning

🧄 Fresh Ingredients

The heart of this recipe lies in its freshness and simplicity:

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – Juicy and flavorful

• Baby potatoes – Red or gold, halved for even cooking

• Lemon – Both zest and juice for brightness

• Fresh garlic – Infuses depth into every bite

• Red onion – Adds sweetness and color

• Cherry tomatoes (optional) – Roasted sweetness if desired

• Fresh parsley – For that final pop of freshness

These ingredients combine in the oven to create a crispy, golden, herb-infused meal that tastes like it took hours—but doesn’t.

🧾 Ingredients: Fresh, Flavor-Packed, and Simple

This Mediterranean chicken and potatoes recipe is all about balance—rich protein, tender vegetables, and bright, herbaceous accents. Here’s your complete shopping and prep list for a flavor-packed one-pan dinner that serves 4–6 people.

🍗 Protein

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  Juicy, flavorful, and ideal for roasting

🥔 Vegetables

• 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved

• 1 red onion, sliced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (optional)
  Adds sweetness and moisture during roasting

🍋 Flavor Agents

• 1 lemon, zested and juiced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  The base of the marinade and roasting liquid

🌿 Seasonings

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

🌱 Finishing Touch

• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
  Brightens and balances the richness

📝 Optional Add-In: A few Kalamata olives scattered around the pan before roasting can add a briny punch.

This vibrant, rustic ingredient list is the key to delivering big flavor with minimal effort.

👨‍🍳 Instructions: How to Roast Mediterranean Chicken Thighs & Potatoes

This one-pan recipe is built for both flavor and convenience. With just a few prep steps and one roasting pan, you’ll have a full Mediterranean dinner with crispy chicken, tender potatoes, and vibrant herbs.

1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• Juice and zest of 1 lemon

• 4 cloves minced garlic

• 1 tsp oregano

• 1 tsp thyme

• 1 tsp paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

Add the chicken thighs, tossing to coat thoroughly. Let marinate for 20–30 minutes at room temperature.

🍋 The lemon and garlic in the marinade give the chicken its signature Mediterranean depth.

2️⃣ Prep the Vegetables

• Halve the baby potatoes

• Slice the red onion

• Toss both with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl

• If using, add cherry tomatoes

🔪 Chop everything evenly so it roasts at the same pace as the chicken.

3️⃣ Assemble the Pan

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)

• On a large sheet pan, spread the veggies out evenly

• Place chicken thighs skin-side up on top of the vegetables

🛠️ Skin-side up = crispy finish!

4️⃣ Roast to Perfection

• Roast for 40–45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F (74°C)

• For crispier skin, broil during the last 3–4 minutes

5️⃣ Rest & Garnish

• Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving

• Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley

• Serve directly from the pan for a rustic, family-style presentation

🥗 Nutrition Score: Hearty, Healthy, and Balanced

This Roasted Mediterranean Chicken and Potatoes dish offers the best of both worlds—comfort food and nutritional balance. It’s rich in protein and healthy fats, thanks to olive oil and chicken thighs, while also supplying fiber and complex carbs from the potatoes and vegetables.

Here’s the estimated nutritional profile per serving (based on 6 servings total):

⚖️ Note: Nutrition values may vary slightly depending on portion size, brand of ingredients, and whether cherry tomatoes or additional veggies are included.

💡 Make It Even Healthier

Looking to tweak the dish for your dietary goals?

• Reduce sodium: Skip salting the potatoes and use low-sodium seasonings

• Increase fiber: Add veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach

• Trim fat: Remove chicken skin after roasting to reduce saturated fat

• Boost protein: Add chickpeas or serve with a Greek yogurt-based sauce

🍽️ Serving & Storage: Make the Most of Your Mediterranean Meal

This dish is delicious straight from the oven—but it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or prepping ahead for the week, these serving and storage tips help you get the most out of every bite.

🍴 Serving Suggestions

Bring out the best in your Mediterranean chicken dinner with simple sides and garnishes:

• Pair with a Greek salad for a fresh, crunchy contrast

• Serve with tzatziki sauce or a lemony yogurt dip for a cooling element

• Lay it over a bed of couscous, quinoa, or orzo to turn it into a full meal

• Sprinkle with extra chopped parsley, feta, or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving

🫒 For a flavor boost, toss in some Kalamata olives before roasting or add a drizzle of balsamic glaze at the end.

🧊 Storage Tips

This one-pan wonder stores and reheats like a dream:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes to keep the skin crispy

• You can also freeze it (without garnish) for up to 1 month—just thaw in the fridge before reheating

🥡 Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that crispy skin—use an air fryer or oven instead.

🔄 Variations: Customize Your Mediterranean Chicken Tray Bake

This recipe is already packed with flavor, but the beauty of a one-pan Mediterranean chicken dinner is how easy it is to adapt. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, changing up your veggies, or adjusting for dietary needs, here are some simple and delicious ways to switch it up.

🍗 Boneless Version

Short on time or prefer boneless cuts?

• Swap in boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• Reduce roasting time to 30–35 minutes

• Still place them on top of the veggies so they roast, not steam

⏱️ Check doneness at 165°F using a meat thermometer.

🥦 Veggie-Packed Option

Load your sheet pan with more Mediterranean vegetables:

• Zucchini, eggplant, artichoke hearts, or bell peppers

• Add sturdy veggies at the start; quick-cooking ones (like spinach) can be added in the last 10 minutes

🥕 Add rainbow color and extra fiber for a more nutrient-dense plate.

🌶️ Spicy Kick

Love a little heat?

• Add 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or a spoonful of harissa to the marinade

• Or serve with a side of chili oil or spicy yogurt dip

🌶️ Great option if you’re serving spice lovers at the table.

🧀 Flavor Twists

Make it your own by adding:

• Crumbled feta after roasting for a salty tang

• Lemon wedges on the pan during roasting for caramelized citrus flavor

• Fresh rosemary or mint as a garnish alongside parsley

❓ FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Mediterranean Chicken & Potatoes

1. What spices are typically used in Mediterranean chicken?

Mediterranean cooking uses bold, earthy, and aromatic spices. This recipe includes oregano, thyme, paprika, garlic, and lemon zest—all essential for achieving that zesty, herb-forward flavor.

🧂 You can also add rosemary, cumin, or sumac for regional twists.

2. Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and cut down cooking time. Just:

• Bake at 400°F for 30–35 minutes

• Ensure an internal temperature of 165°F

• Reduce the quantity slightly if pieces are smaller

🍗 Boneless cuts may not crisp like skin-on thighs but are just as flavorful.

3. How long does it take to roast chicken thighs and potatoes together?

At 400°F (200°C):

• Roast for 40–45 minutes with bone-in thighs

• Reduce to 30–35 minutes for boneless cuts

• Broil the last 3–4 minutes for extra golden skin

🔍 Always check doneness with a meat thermometer to be safe.

4. What vegetables go well with Mediterranean chicken?

The possibilities are endless, but some of the best veggie pairings include:

• Zucchini

• Bell peppers

• Red onion

• Cherry tomatoes

• Kalamata olives

• Artichoke hearts

5. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can:

• Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance

• Chop the veggies ahead and store them in the fridge

• Assemble everything just before baking for a low-stress dinner

✅ Conclusion: A Crispy, Juicy One-Pan Hero for Any Night

This Roasted Mediterranean Chicken Thighs & Baby Potatoes recipe is proof that wholesome, flavorful dinners don’t have to be complicated. In just one pan, with simple ingredients and bold spices, you get crispy skin, juicy meat, and golden potatoes infused with garlic, herbs, and citrus.

Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a family, or hosting dinner guests, this dish brings the vibrancy of the Mediterranean right to your table—with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

It’s flexible enough for weeknights but elegant enough for company. Plus, it’s easy to scale up, tweak with vegetables, or pair with sides like tzatziki, couscous, or Greek salad for a full spread.

🍷 Want to complete the Mediterranean vibe? Serve with a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon and mint.

Ready to make your oven do all the work while you sit back and enjoy the aromas of lemon, garlic, and thyme? This is the one-pan dinner hero your recipe box has been waiting for.