Baked Mediterranean Chicken Thighs | 5 Mins Prep – One-Pan Recipe

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Table of contents:

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Why you’ll love this recipe:

• Budget-friendly
• Easy to make (5 mins prep)
• Mediterranean flavors
• Healthy and nutritious
• High in protein
• Low in fat (use skinless thighs like we do for this recipe)

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How to make Baked Mediterranean Chicken Thighs

Ingredients

• 6 skinless chicken thighs, bone-in, excess fat removed
• 2 white onions, thinly sliced
• 3 ripe tomatoes
• Handful of cherry tomatoes 
• 2-3 tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 2 lemons
• 5-6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon of Dried Oregano
• 1 teaspoon of Spanish La Vera Sweet Paprika 
• 1 teaspoon of Ground Cumin
• 1 teaspoon of Garlic Powder
• ½ teaspoon of Ground White Pepper
• Salt (to taste)
• Handful of fresh parsley, chopped

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Equipment

• Cutting Board 
• Chef Knife
• Baking Tray or 12×8 inches (30×20 cm) ceramic baking dish with deep sides (around 2 inches/5 cm)
• Garlic Press
• Box Grater
• Cooking tongs
• Oven

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F
2. Lay a bed of sliced onion in the bottom of the baking dish. Save around half of the onion for use later. 
3. Finely slice the garlic and add it to the dish. Add the chicken thighs on top of the onion and garlic. 
4. Cut a tomato into wedges and place around the chicken thighs. Sprinkle the cherry tomatoes around the other ingredients. Slice and add the remaining onion.
5. Grate 2 of the tomatoes and add it to the baking dish. Cut one lemon into half rounds about 1/8th inch thick (0.5cm) and place them around the other ingredients.
6. Finely chop the fresh parsley and add it on top.
7. Sprinkle around half of the herbs and seasoning, give everything a mix, then sprinkle the remaining seasoning, herbs, and spices.
8. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 40-50 minutes on the middle shelf of the oven. 
9. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon and some chopped parsley. 

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Cooking Tips: 

• Skin on chicken thighs also works great for this recipe. If you want to get extra crispy skin, put chicken thighs under the broiler or grill for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Boneless chicken thighs also work well for this recipe. Boneless chicken thighs cook faster than bone-in thighs, so reduce the cooking time by around 10 minutes. 
• Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken is cooked through. It is ready when it has reached an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C).

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Serving Suggestions

Mediterranean chicken thighs are a hearty main meal that has plenty of nutrients as is, but you can create an even more nutritious, filling, and balanced meal by serving this with some steamed greens, salad, or your favorite choice of grain or side dish. 

When serving as a main with side, allow 2 chicken thighs per person.

What sides go well with Mediterranean chicken thighs?

This dish pairs well with couscous, quinoa, rice pilaf, or rice; we love serving this with our vibrant Mediterranean Yellow rice recipe. Roasted vegetables also work really well like zucchini, bell peppers, and potatoes. A Greek salad or tabbouleh can also complement the flavors nicely. It all depends on what season it is as you can make this a warming winter meal with spicy potatoes or a light summer-style affair with salads etc.

Here are a few side suggestions:

• Batata Harra (spicy potatoes) – A traditional Lebanese recipe that gives you delicious spicy roasted potatoes every time.
• Baked Mediterranean rice with dates, apricots, and chickpeas – Baked Mediterranean rice with dates, apricots, and chickpeas is a deliciously healthy meal that comes together in just over an hour.
• Moroccan Couscous With Roasted Veg And Tahini Dressing – An affordable vegetarian-friendly meal that is bursting with color and Mediterranean flavors.
• Classic Greek salad – Greek salad with Kalamata olives and feta cheese is always a great side salad. 

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Meal Preparation

This recipe offers a swift and uncomplicated meal prep solution. With just 5 minutes of prep time and no need for specialized cooking skills or equipment, you can enjoy tender, flavorful chicken thighs that are both wholesome and delicious. 

Bulk Cooking

For those seeking to prepare meals in advance, this recipe is perfect and can be easily adjusted to accommodate larger quantities. Reheating cooked chicken thighs is simple, whether using an oven or microwave. When microwaving, ensure you use a microwave-safe container with a lid or cover to prevent splattering.

Storage

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the baked Mediterranean chicken thighs will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Alternatively, when frozen, they can be preserved for up to 3 months.

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FAQs

How long do these baked Mediterranean chicken thighs take to make?

• Prep time; 5 minutes
• Cook time: 40-50 minutes
• Ready in: Under 1 hour

Is chicken breast or chicken thigh healthier?

Both are considered healthy options when prepared healthily. Chicken breast has less fat and lower cholesterol per serving. 

Can I use chicken breast to make this recipe? 

Yes, simply cut the chicken breasts in half and give the chicken meat some extra cooking time when using breast meat. 

Is chicken thigh dark meat?

Yes, chicken thigh is considered dark meat. The white meat of a chicken is the wings, breast, and breast tenders. 

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely. While bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide extra flavor, boneless, skinless thighs can be used as a leaner option. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure they don’t overcook and dry out (around 10 minutes less than bone-in thighs).

Can I marinate the chicken thighs overnight for more flavor?

Yes, marinating the chicken thighs overnight can enhance their flavor. You can use a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs for a flavorful marinade.

How do I know when the chicken thighs are cooked through?

The safest way to ensure chicken thighs are cooked through is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh; when it reaches 165°F (75°C), the chicken is done. 

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More Mediterranean Chicken Recipes

• One-pan Greek chicken thighs with roast veg 
• Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs with Couscous and a Tangy Greek Yogurt Dressing
• Za’atar Chicken with Leek, Artichoke Hearts, and Kalamata Olives

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