If you are searching for a dish that brings together vibrant flavors, hearty textures, and a hint of sunshine from the Mediterranean, this Mediterranean Chicken Dinner Recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites. Perfectly marinated chicken thighs and drumsticks bake alongside golden potatoes, sweet red onions, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all infused with fragrant oregano, garlic, and lemon. This recipe strikes a delightful balance between simple ingredients and impressive results that can turn any weeknight meal into a culinary celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Mediterranean Chicken Dinner Recipe lies in how straightforward yet essential each ingredient is. They all work together to create layers of flavor, giving you a juicy, tender chicken with a medley of perfectly roasted vegetables bursting with freshness and warmth.
- Chicken thighs and drumsticks (1kg/2lb, bone-in, skin-on): Bone-in pieces ensure juicy, flavorful meat, and the skin crisps up beautifully.
- Lemon juice (1/2 cup/125 ml): Adds a bright, tangy lift that balances the richness.
- Garlic (6 cloves, minced): An aromatic punch that deepens every bite.
- Dijon mustard (2 tsp, optional): Gives the marinade a subtle tangy complexity without overpowering.
- Honey or sugar (2 tbsp honey or 1 tbsp sugar): A touch of sweetness to caramelize the chicken and vegetables.
- Dried oregano (1 tbsp): Classic Mediterranean herb that infuses the dish with its aromatic essence.
- Paprika (1.5 tsp): Adds warmth, color, and a hint of smoky depth.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp plus extra for drizzling): Helps everything crisp and roast perfectly while adding richness.
- Salt and pepper (1/2 tsp each for chicken; 1/2 tsp each for vegetables): Vital for seasoning and enhancing natural flavors.
- Potatoes (5 small, quartered): Roasted to golden perfection, they soak up all the delicious juices.
- Red onions (2, quartered): Sweetness and texture contrast roasted alongside.
- Chicken broth/stock (1 cup/250 ml, low sodium): Creates moisture and a flavorful base for the dish as it bakes.
- Cherry tomatoes (250g/8oz, whole): Burst with juicy freshness, balancing out the hearty elements.
- Fresh oregano (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh herbal note and a pop of color when served.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Chicken
Start by mixing lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard (if using), honey or sugar, dried oregano, paprika, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add the chicken thighs and drumsticks, tossing everything to coat the pieces evenly with the vibrant marinade. While you can jump right into cooking, letting the chicken marinate for 24 hours intensifies the flavors wonderfully, making every bite more succulent and flavorful.
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 180°C (350°F). This moderate temperature allows the chicken to cook through gently while the vegetables roast evenly, creating a perfect balance between tender and crispy textures.
Step 3: Arrange Ingredients in the Baking Pan
Place the quartered potatoes and red onions in a sturdy baking dish, spreading them out as the base layer. Nestle the marinated chicken pieces on top for even cooking. Pour the chicken broth gently over the ingredients and drizzle the remaining marinade from the bowl, ensuring that every component gets infused with those zesty, herbaceous notes.
Step 4: Start Roasting
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This initial roast helps the potatoes start softening and the chicken juices begin melding with the vegetables, building a delicious foundation for the next steps.
Step 5: Add Cherry Tomatoes and Final Roast
Remove the dish carefully from the oven and scatter the whole cherry tomatoes across the top. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper for extra seasoning. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes. By the time it’s done, the chicken skin turns gorgeously golden and crisp, while the potatoes are tender and the tomatoes have burst with sweetness.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh oregano leaves over the entire dish if you have them on hand. Their fresh herbaceous aroma adds the perfect finishing touch. Serve warm and prepare to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal that feels like a Mediterranean escape at your dinner table.
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh oregano or even a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley enhances the herbal notes and provides a vibrant green contrast. A wedge of lemon on the side invites everyone to add a bit of extra zing right at the table, heightening the fresh Mediterranean flair.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad tossed with olive oil and lemon, or a light couscous with toasted pine nuts and fresh herbs. A crusty loaf of bread is also ideal for soaking up the luscious pan juices and ensures no flavor goes to waste.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the chicken and vegetables family-style on a large rustic platter. Scatter extra cherry tomatoes and oregano sprigs on the serving plate for color and charm. Alternatively, plate individual servings with a drizzle of the pan juices over the top and freshly cracked black pepper for a refined presentation that still keeps the homey heart of this dish intact.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mediterranean Chicken Dinner Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld overnight, often tasting even better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken and vegetables in a sealed container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool the dish completely before freezing, and separate portions for easier thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a preheated oven at 160°C (325°F) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through to preserve the texture and avoid drying out the chicken. Microwaving is quick but can result in uneven heat distribution, so it’s best for smaller portions.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs and drumsticks?
While chicken breasts can be used, they tend to dry out more easily in this recipe. Thighs and drumsticks, with their higher fat content and skin, stay juicier and develop more flavor when roasted.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?
Not at all! While marinating overnight enhances the flavor depth, you can proceed immediately after mixing the marinade if you are short on time. You’ll still get a delicious dish.
What can I substitute for chicken broth if I don’t have any?
Water is a simple substitute, but using a vegetable broth or a splash of white wine can add extra depth if chicken stock isn’t available.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! This dish naturally uses gluten-free ingredients, just ensure that your Dijon mustard and chicken broth do not contain any hidden gluten additives.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
Potatoes are cooked when they are tender inside and golden on the edges. You can test by piercing a piece with a fork—it should slide in easily without resistance.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Chicken Dinner Recipe is the kind of meal that invites you to relax and savor every bite, combining nutritious ingredients with comforting flavors that feel both fresh and satisfying. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your home — a true celebration of Mediterranean goodness that you and your loved ones will look forward to again and again.
Print
Mediterranean Chicken Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 – 5 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Dinner features tender bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks marinated in a zesty lemon and garlic mixture, then baked alongside potatoes, red onions, and cherry tomatoes. Enhanced with herbs like oregano and spices such as paprika, this dish is both flavorful and hearty, perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Marinade and Chicken
- 1kg / 2lb bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) lemon juice
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 2 tbsp honey or 1 tbsp sugar (or maple syrup or other sweetener)
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1.5 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Vegetables and Additional Ingredients
- 5 smallish potatoes (7.5cm/3″ wide), quartered
- 2 red onions, quartered
- 1 cup (250 ml) low sodium chicken broth/stock
- 250g / 8oz cherry tomatoes, whole
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or oil spray)
- Fresh oregano, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard (if using), honey or sugar, dried oregano, paprika, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined. Add the chicken thighs and drumsticks, tossing to coat thoroughly. For best flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator, or proceed immediately if short on time.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) and allow it to reach temperature while you prepare the baking dish.
- Assemble the Dish: Arrange the quartered potatoes and red onions evenly in a baking pan. Layer the marinated chicken pieces on top. Pour the chicken broth over the entire mixture, then drizzle with remaining marinade from the bowl for extra flavor.
- Initial Bake: Place the baking pan in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to start cooking and the vegetables to soften slightly.
- Add Cherry Tomatoes and Continue Baking: Remove the pan from the oven carefully. Scatter the whole cherry tomatoes over the top, drizzle everything with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and sprinkle with additional salt and pepper. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 30 to 35 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
- Serve: Once cooked, take the pan out of the oven and garnish with fresh oregano leaves if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your Mediterranean chicken dinner!
Notes
- Note 1: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks provide the best flavor and moisture. You can substitute with other cuts but cooking times may vary.
- Note 2: Dijon mustard is optional but adds a nice tangy depth to the marinade.
- Note 3: Quartering medium-sized potatoes ensures they cook evenly and absorb the flavors.
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor penetration but is not strictly necessary.
- Using low sodium chicken broth helps control salt content.
- Make sure to scatter cherry tomatoes towards the end of cooking to prevent them from bursting and becoming too soft.
