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Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Recipe


  • Author: Victoria

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken and Vegetables:

  • 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are ideal for sheet pan cooking because they remain juicy and tender even when roasted at higher temperatures. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but thighs are generally more forgiving and flavorful for this method. Look for thighs that are roughly uniform in size for even cooking.
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper: Bell peppers add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to the dish. Red bell peppers are slightly sweeter than green, yellow, or orange, making them a great choice for this recipe. You can also use a mix of colors for visual appeal and a slightly varied flavor profile.
  • 1 Yellow Bell Pepper: Similar to red bell peppers, yellow bell peppers contribute sweetness and color. Using both red and yellow bell peppers adds depth of flavor and visual interest to your sheet pan.
  • 1 Large Red Onion: Red onion provides a pungent, slightly sweet flavor that mellows beautifully as it roasts. It adds a crucial aromatic element to the dish. You can substitute with a yellow onion if red onion isn’t available, but red onions tend to have a milder flavor that works particularly well in Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
  • 1 Pint Cherry Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes burst with juicy sweetness as they roast, adding a delightful tangy counterpoint to the savory chicken and vegetables. Grape tomatoes can also be used interchangeably.
  • 1/2 Cup Kalamata Olives, pitted: Kalamata olives bring a briny, salty, and slightly fruity flavor that is characteristic of Greek cuisine. Make sure to use pitted olives for ease of eating. If you prefer a milder olive flavor, you can use Castelvetrano olives or skip the olives altogether, though they do contribute significantly to the authentic Greek taste.
  • 4 Cloves Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is essential for the marinade and adds a pungent, aromatic base to the entire dish. Mincing the garlic ensures that its flavor is evenly distributed. You can adjust the amount of garlic to your preference.
  • 1/4 Cup Fresh Parsley, chopped: Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note and a touch of freshness to the finished dish. It’s best added at the end to maintain its vibrant color and flavor. Flat-leaf parsley (Italian parsley) is generally preferred for its stronger flavor compared to curly parsley.

For the Greek Marinade:

  • 1/4 Cup Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is the cornerstone of Mediterranean cooking and provides richness, flavor, and healthy fats. It helps to tenderize the chicken and vegetables and creates a beautiful glossy finish. Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
  • 1/4 Cup Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is crucial for the bright, tangy flavor that is characteristic of Greek cuisine. It also helps to tenderize the chicken. Avoid using bottled lemon juice, as it lacks the fresh, vibrant flavor of freshly squeezed juice.
  • 2 Tablespoons Dried Oregano: Dried oregano is a quintessential Greek herb, providing a warm, slightly peppery, and aromatic flavor. It’s a key ingredient in the marinade and contributes significantly to the authentic Greek taste.
  • 1 Tablespoon Dried Thyme: Dried thyme adds an earthy, slightly minty, and subtle lemony flavor that complements the oregano and lemon beautifully. It adds depth and complexity to the marinade.
  • 1 Teaspoon Salt: Salt is essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients. Use kosher salt or sea salt for the best flavor. Adjust the amount of salt to your preference.
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a pungent, slightly spicy kick and enhances the overall flavor profile. Freshly ground pepper is always preferred for its superior flavor compared to pre-ground pepper.
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat to the dish. This is optional, but if you enjoy a little spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice subtle kick. You can adjust the amount to your spice preference or omit it entirely.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Ensure all the ingredients are well combined to create a flavorful and emulsified marinade. The olive oil and lemon juice may separate slightly, but whisking them together will help them blend and better coat the chicken and vegetables. Take a moment to smell the marinade – the aroma should be bright, herbaceous, and inviting.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken and Vegetables

Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs, chopped red bell pepper, chopped yellow bell pepper, sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, and minced garlic to the bowl with the marinade. Using your hands or tongs, toss everything together to ensure that the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the marinade. Massage the marinade into the chicken to help it penetrate and tenderize the meat. Make sure the vegetables are also well coated for maximum flavor infusion during roasting.

Step 3: Marinate Time (Optional but Recommended)

For the best flavor, allow the chicken and vegetables to marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. Marinating allows the flavors to meld and penetrate the chicken and vegetables, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish. If you are short on time, you can skip the marinating step and proceed directly to roasting, but marinating significantly enhances the final flavor. If marinating in the refrigerator, bring the sheet pan to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before roasting to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheet Pan

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Parchment paper also prevents the chicken and vegetables from sticking to the pan and promotes even browning. Alternatively, you can lightly grease the sheet pan with olive oil. Ensure your oven is fully preheated before placing the sheet pan inside for optimal roasting.

Step 5: Arrange Chicken and Vegetables on Sheet Pan

Spread the marinated chicken and vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the vegetables to steam instead of roast, resulting in soggy vegetables. If necessary, use two sheet pans to ensure everything is spread out in a single layer. Arrange the chicken thighs evenly spaced and distribute the vegetables around them. Pour any remaining marinade from the bowl over the chicken and vegetables for extra flavor.

Step 6: Roast the Chicken and Vegetables

Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh. The vegetables should be tender when pierced with a fork and slightly browned around the edges. Halfway through the cooking time, around 15 minutes, you can toss the vegetables to ensure even roasting.

Step 7: Add Olives and Parsley

Remove the sheet pan from the oven and stir in the pitted Kalamata olives. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and vegetables. The heat from the cooked dish will slightly warm the olives and release their flavor, and the fresh parsley will add a vibrant finishing touch.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the Greek Sheet Pan Chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450-550
  • Fat: 25-35g
  • Carbohydrates: 15-20g
  • Protein: 40-50g