I absolutely love sharing this Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner Recipe with friends because it’s one of those effortless dinners that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen—without all the fuss. The magic is in the marinade: bright lemon juice, fragrant herbs, and garlic come together so beautifully with tender, juicy chicken thighs roasted alongside vibrant veggies. When the chicken and vegetables roast together, you get this incredible medley of flavors and textures that just can’t be beat!
You’ll find that this Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner Recipe works perfectly for busy weeknights and also impresses when you have company. It’s all about simplicity and flavor without needing dozens of pots and pans. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks on one sheet pan. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks together, making prep and cleanup super easy.
- Bold, Bright Flavors: The lemon and herbs give the chicken and veggies a fresh Mediterranean punch.
- Juicy, Tender Chicken: Bone-in thighs stay moist and develop crispy skin that my family goes crazy for.
- Versatile and Customizable: Swap veggies or chicken cuts to suit what you have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner Recipe serves a purpose, combining to create that classic Mediterranean taste you crave. When shopping, go for fresh herbs and good-quality olive oil—it really makes a difference.
- Olive oil: Use extra virgin for the best flavor and quality in the marinade.
- Lemon: Freshly juiced adds vibrant acidity; one lemon usually gives you enough juice for this recipe.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic packs more punch than jarred—don’t skip it!
- Dried oregano: A Greek kitchen staple that gives the dish authentic herbiness.
- Dried thyme: A subtle earthiness complements the oregano beautifully.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a slight tang to balance the lemon and oil.
- Kosher salt: Enhances every flavor; kosher salt dissolves nicely in marinades.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground for the best aroma and taste.
- Chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on: These stay juicy and flavorful during roasting.
- Zucchini: Halved and sliced lengthwise; I love how it softens but still holds shape.
- Yellow bell pepper: Adds sweetness and a pop of sunny color.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a mild, sweet bite after roasting.
- Cherry or grape tomatoes: Burst with juice and deepen the veggies’ flavor.
- Kalamata olives: Briny contrast that elevates the whole dish.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled on top for that creamy, salty finish.
- Fresh parsley: Finely chopped for a fresh herbal garnish that brightens the final plate.
Variations
One of the things I adore about this Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have or what you prefer. Feel free to experiment and make it your own—it’ll still come out delicious.
- Chicken breast swap: I’ve made this with chicken breasts when thighs weren’t around—just add them later to avoid drying out, and roast veggies first for best results.
- Vegetable swap: You can swap zucchini and tomatoes for artichoke hearts or eggplant to cut down on moisture if you want less liquid on the sheet pan.
- Spice it up: If you love heat, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade brings a nice kick that my husband especially enjoys.
- Fresh herbs addition: Sometimes I throw in fresh rosemary or dill for more complex herbal notes—it’s a lovely twist.
How to Make Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Flavorful Marinade
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it’s nice and hot for roasting. In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until it emulsifies and smells heavenly. This marinade is what infuses the chicken and veggies with those classic Greek flavors, so don’t rush this step!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Juiciness
Pop your chicken thighs into a bowl and pour about two-thirds of the marinade over them. I like to use my hands (clean, of course!) to toss the chicken well, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes while you prep the veggies—this short marinating time is enough to build flavor without needing hours.
Step 3: Prep and Coat the Vegetables
Slice your zucchini lengthwise and then into half-moons, chop the yellow bell pepper into roughly 1-inch pieces, and slice the red onion into thin wedges. Spread all these on your baking sheet alongside the cherry or grape tomatoes. Drizzle the remaining third of the marinade over the veggies and toss them gently to coat each piece—this keeps the flavors balanced between chicken and vegetables.
Step 4: Roast Chicken and Veggies Together
Arrange the marinated chicken thighs around and on top of the veggies on the sheet pan. Pop everything into your preheated oven and roast for 30 minutes. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing as the chicken skin crisps and the vegetables begin to soften.
Step 5: Add Olives and Feta for the Finishing Touch
After 30 minutes, pull the sheet pan out and sprinkle kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese over the top. Return it to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes until the chicken hits 165°F internally, and veggies are nicely softened but not mushy. This step adds that salty, tangy punch that Greek food lovers crave!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, scatter freshly chopped parsley over the whole pan. This small touch adds freshness and a lovely pop of color that makes the meal feel complete. Grab a fork and dig in—you’ve earned it!
Pro Tips for Making Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner Recipe
- Use Bone-In Thighs: They stay juicy and flavorful; the skin crisps up beautifully in the hot oven.
- Adjust Rack Position: If your chicken isn’t crisping, move the oven rack higher or broil for 1-2 minutes at the end—but watch closely!
- Don’t Skip Marinating: Even a short rest with the marinade makes a big flavor impact—it’s worth the few extra minutes.
- Embrace Those Juices: The liquid at the bottom of the pan is a delicious bonus—use it as a sauce over rice or crusty bread.
How to Serve Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and crumbled feta because it adds a burst of color and freshness that balances the rich flavors beautifully. Sometimes I like to add a few lemon wedges on the side for extra zing. It’s the little touches that make it feel special!
Side Dishes
This dinner is pretty well-rounded on its own, but I love pairing it with a fluffy pilaf or some buttery couscous to soak up those flavorful pan juices. A simple Greek salad or warm pita bread on the side rounds it out for a full Mediterranean feast that my family can’t get enough of.
Creative Ways to Present
One time, I arranged everything on a beautiful wooden board for a casual family-style meal during summer—it was such a hit! You can also serve the chicken thighs sliced over a big platter of roasted veggies topped generously with feta and parsley for a vibrant centerpiece if you’re entertaining. Presentation really amps up the fun factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually transfer leftovers into an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so the next day’s meal tastes even better. Just bring it to room temp before reheating for the best texture.
Freezing
I’ve frozen portions of this Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner Recipe—just separate chicken from veggies for best results. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to avoid drying out the meat.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the chicken skin crisps back up a bit. Microwave works in a pinch, but I prefer oven reheating to keep textures intact.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out if overdone. I recommend roasting the vegetables first for about 20 minutes, then adding chicken breasts for the last 20-25 minutes so everything finishes perfectly.
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What can I substitute for kalamata olives if I don’t like olives?
If olives aren’t your thing, you can omit them or swap in roasted artichoke hearts or capers for that salty, briny flavor. They’ll provide a similar punch without the olive texture.
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How do I prevent the vegetables from getting too watery?
To reduce excess liquid, you can use lower water-content veggies like artichoke hearts, cabbage, or carrots. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan to help the veggies roast rather than steam.
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Can I prepare this Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner Recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and prep the veggies a few hours ahead or even the night before. Just keep everything covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to roast.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it turns busy nights into something truly delicious with minimal effort. I hope you’ll enjoy making and eating it as much as I do—it’s an easy way to bring bright Greek flavors to your table any day of the week. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be reaching for it again and again.
PrintGreek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
This Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner combines juicy, herb-marinated chicken thighs with a vibrant medley of roasted vegetables, olives, and feta cheese for an easy, flavorful one-pan meal perfect for weeknight dinners. The oven-roasted method infuses the dish with Mediterranean flavors while keeping cleanup minimal.
Ingredients
Marinade
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
- 1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- ½ large red onion, thinly sliced into wedges
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
- ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted
- ¼ cup feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Make the marinade: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl. Pour two-thirds of the marinade over them and use your hands to toss and coat the chicken thoroughly. Let the chicken marinate for 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature to absorb the flavors.
- Prep the vegetables: While the chicken marinates, spread the zucchini slices, chopped yellow bell pepper, red onion wedges, and cherry tomatoes evenly on a large baking sheet. Drizzle the remaining marinade over the vegetables and toss to coat all pieces evenly.
- Bake: Nestle the marinated chicken thighs among the vegetables on the baking sheet. Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and roast for 30 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook and the vegetables to soften.
- Add the final touches: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Scatter the pitted kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese over the chicken and vegetables. Return the sheet pan to the oven and continue roasting for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the dish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful Greek sheet pan chicken dinner.
Notes
- Oven temperatures vary, so if the chicken skin isn’t browning enough, move the baking rack higher or turn on the broiler for the last minute or two. Conversely, lower the rack or reduce the temperature if it’s browning too fast.
- It’s normal for the sheet pan to have leftover liquid from the chicken and the vegetables releasing moisture. If you prefer less liquid, substitute zucchini and tomatoes with lower water-content vegetables such as artichoke hearts or cabbage.
- If opting for chicken breasts instead of thighs, roast the vegetables alone first and add the chicken breasts in the last 20 to 25 minutes to prevent overcooking and dryness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg