Roasted Mediterranean Chicken Thighs & Baby Potatoes Recipe

This Roasted Mediterranean Chicken Thighs & Baby Potatoes recipe is everything a busy weeknight dinner should be—simple to prep, big on flavor, and a total one-pan wonder. Juicy, tender chicken thighs roast alongside crispy baby potatoes, soaking up all the herby, garlicky, lemony goodness in the pan. The result? A golden, caramelized masterpiece that tastes like it came straight from a rustic kitchen in the heart of the Mediterranean. It’s healthy, hearty, and deeply satisfying—plus, there’s barely any cleanup!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One Pan, One Dream: Everything cooks together on a single sheet pan, making this recipe both delicious and incredibly convenient.
• Big, Bold Flavors: With olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs, every bite is bursting with bright and savory Mediterranean taste.
• Perfect Texture: The chicken skin crisps up beautifully while the baby potatoes get golden and buttery-soft inside.
• Foolproof and Fast: Minimal prep, maximum payoff. You’ll have this on the table in under an hour—perfect for weeknight wins.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients, and let’s bring the Mediterranean into your kitchen:

• Chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal—they stay juicy and develop irresistible crispy skin.
• Baby potatoes: Small, waxy potatoes roast beautifully and soak up all the savory pan juices.
• Olive oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil—it’s the heart of Mediterranean cooking and enhances every flavor.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add warmth and depth; don’t be shy with them.
• Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten up the entire dish with a clean, citrusy kick.
• Dried oregano: A must for Mediterranean flavor. Its earthy, slightly minty profile brings the dish to life.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and gorgeous color.
• Red onion: Roasts until sweet and soft, adding a touch of natural sweetness.
• Cherry tomatoes (optional): These burst with juiciness and add a fresh, tangy contrast.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer of flavor.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here’s how you can make this recipe your own:

• Herb Swap: Try thyme, rosemary, or a sprinkle of za’atar for a different twist.
• Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts for extra Mediterranean flair.
• Protein Alternatives: Chicken drumsticks or even bone-in pork chops work well here too.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of harissa for some heat.

How to Make Roasted Mediterranean Chicken Thighs & Baby Potatoes

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels (this helps the skin crisp up). In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken.

Step 3: Toss the Potatoes

In the same bowl (no need to clean it), toss baby potatoes and red onion wedges with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them around the chicken on the pan.

Step 4: Roast Everything Together

Place the pan in the oven and roast for 40–45 minutes, or until the chicken skin is golden and crisp, and the potatoes are fork-tender. If using cherry tomatoes, toss them in during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Step 5: Broil for Extra Crispiness

For crispier skin, broil the pan for 2–3 minutes at the end—but keep an eye on it!

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let everything rest for a few minutes out of the oven, then serve warm with an extra squeeze of lemon if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Dry the Chicken Skin: Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin. Pat the chicken thoroughly with paper towels before seasoning.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Spread everything out to allow for proper roasting. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of caramelizing.
• Marinate if You Have Time: If you can marinate the chicken for 1–2 hours (or overnight), the flavors become even more intense.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Chicken thighs are perfectly done at 175°F (80°C) for juicy, tender meat.

How to Serve

This dish is hearty on its own, but you can elevate it with a few tasty additions:

Garnishes:

Sprinkle with fresh parsley, crumbled feta, or a few olives for an authentic Mediterranean finish.

Side Dishes:

Pair with a crisp Greek salad, warm pita bread, or a refreshing cucumber yogurt sauce.

Wine Pairing:

Serve with a glass of dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better the next day!

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken and potatoes for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through. To keep the chicken skin crispy, avoid the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! They’ll cook a little faster and won’t be as crispy, but still flavorful. Check them at the 30-minute mark for doneness.

Do I need to peel the baby potatoes?
Not at all. The skins add texture and help the potatoes hold their shape while roasting. Just wash them well.

What if I don’t have fresh lemon?
You can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, but fresh lemon really makes the flavors pop. If possible, zest the lemon before juicing for even more citrus flavor.

Can I cook everything in a baking dish instead of a sheet pan?
Yes, just make sure the ingredients are spread in a single layer to ensure even roasting. Avoid stacking or crowding.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s big on flavor but light on effort, this Roasted Mediterranean Chicken Thighs & Baby Potatoes recipe is your go-to. It’s rustic, cozy, and packed with vibrant ingredients that bring warmth to your table any night of the week. Give it a try, and let the simple magic of Mediterranean cooking win you over!

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