Description
All the sunlit Greek flavors you love—lemon, oregano, tomatoes, olives, and a touch of feta—roasted on one pan with juicy, bone-in skinless chicken thighs and a generous tumble of vegetables and chickpeas. Lighter in saturated fat, higher in fiber, and fully Mediterranean Diet–friendly.
Ingredients
Scale
Citrus-Herb Base
- 1½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 garlic cloves (finely minced)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2.5 g fine sea salt (about ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal or ~⅓ teaspoon Morton)
Protein & Vegetables
- 6 bone-in (skinless chicken thighs (about 1.8 lb / 820 g total))
- 2 medium zucchini (halved lengthwise and sliced ½-inch thick)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (chopped into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 large red onion (cut into thin wedges)
- 1 pint about 300 g cherry or grape tomatoes
- 2½ cups cooked chickpeas (rinsed and well drained)
Finish
- ⅓ cup pitted low-sodium Kalamata olives (rinsed)
- 2 tablespoons reduced-fat feta (crumbled (optional, light garnish))
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Zest-First Dry Brine: In a large bowl, combine the lemon zest, half the garlic, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, pepper, and half the salt. Add the chicken thighs, toss to coat thoroughly, and let stand 10–15 minutes.
- Bright Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk the lemon juice, Dijon, extra-virgin olive oil, and the remaining garlic and salt until emulsified.
- Gloss the Vegetables: On a parchment-lined sheet pan, toss zucchini, bell pepper, red onion, tomatoes, and chickpeas with 2–3 tablespoons of the marinade (just enough to lightly coat). Spread into an even layer.
- Stage the Pan: Nestle the chicken thighs on top of the vegetables, presentation side up, spacing them evenly.
- Roast & Render: Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 24 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften and the chicken edges look opaque.
- Olives In, Baste & Continue: Scatter the olives over the pan. Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of the remaining marinade over the chicken and a few hot spots on the pan. Continue roasting 14 minutes more, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part (avoid the bone). Discard any unused marinade after basting.
- Optional Color Boost: Broil for 1–2 minutes to deepen golden edges.
- Finish & Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with parsley and a light crumble of reduced-fat feta (if using). Spoon a little pan jus over each portion.
Notes
Nutrition Facts (Per serving: 1/6 of recipe (estimates calculated from standard USDA data and typical brand values))
- Calories: 369 kcal
- Protein: 29.6 g
- Total Fat: 15.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 28.7 g
- Dietary Fiber: 8.0 g
- Total Sugars: ~8.8 g
- Added Sugars: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
- Sodium: 325 mg
Allergens
- Milk: feta (optional)
- Mustard: Dijon
- Olives may be processed in facilities with other allergens.
Nutrition
- Calories: 369