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
Scale
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.
