Mediterranean Chicken Sheet Pan

Name: Mediterranean Chicken Sheet Pan
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1 zucchini, sliced; 1 red onion, cut into wedges; 1 cup cherry tomatoes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: International Planning

I absolutely love making this Mediterranean Chicken Sheet Pan for dinner. The combination of tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and aromatic herbs never fails to impress my family and friends. Plus, the one-pan cooking method not only saves time on cleanup but also allows all the flavors to meld beautifully together. In just about 45 minutes, I serve an enticing meal that feels like a retreat to the warm shores of the Mediterranean. It's a delightful weeknight dinner that's nutritious and absolutely delicious!

Created by

Fern Holloway

Last updated on 2026-02-02T00:01:37.183Z

When I first made this Mediterranean Chicken Sheet Pan, I was surprised by how flavorful it turned out, especially considering the simplicity of the ingredients. I used a mix of bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini, tossed them with olive oil and herbs, and let them roast alongside the chicken. The vegetables caramelize beautifully, complementing the juicy chicken perfectly.

One essential tip is to ensure that your chicken is skin-on and bone-in, as this keeps it moist throughout the cooking process. I also recommend letting everything marinate for a bit if you have extra time. This really enhances the flavors, turning a simple weeknight meal into something special.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
One-pan meal makes cleanup a breeze
Vibrant flavors that transport you to the Mediterranean
Healthy and wholesome ingredients with a satisfying crunch

The Importance of Herbs and Spices

The Mediterranean cuisine is known for its vibrant use of herbs and spices, which truly elevate the flavor of this chicken sheet pan dinner. The dried oregano, featured in this recipe, is essential as it adds an earthy and aromatic note that perfectly complements the savory notes of the chicken. If you find yourself out of oregano, consider substituting with thyme or rosemary; both will impart a lovely flavor profile while maintaining the Mediterranean essence.

Garlic powder additionally plays a crucial role in enhancing the dish's overall taste. It adds a subtle sweetness and depth that fresh garlic can sometimes overpower. If you prefer using fresh garlic, about three cloves minced would work beautifully; just make sure to watch the timing to prevent bitterness while baking.

Perfectly Roasting Vegetables

Achieving tender and caramelized vegetables requires not only the right temperature but also the right arrangement. Placing the vegetables around the chicken on the sheet pan allows them to absorb the drippings from the chicken, enhancing their flavor. Make sure the vegetables are not overcrowded; if they are, they will steam rather than roast, resulting in a softer texture instead of the desired crispy edges.

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the vegetables before baking. This addition caramelizes nicely, bringing a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the bell peppers and cherry tomatoes. You can also mix in some olives or feta cheese during the last five minutes of baking for a salty toothsome bite.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Vegetables

1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 zucchini, sliced
1 red onion, cut into wedges
1 cup cherry tomatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Prepare the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs, olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is well coated.

Arrange Ingredients

On a large sheet pan, arrange the seasoned chicken thighs in the center. Surround them with the sliced bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Bake

Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

Serve

Once cooked, remove the sheet pan from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your meal!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spice blend for a few hours or overnight before cooking. You can also add different vegetables based on your preference or what's in season.

Tips for Meal Prep and Storage

If you're looking to streamline your weeknight dinners, consider marinating the chicken thighs ahead of time. You can combine the olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps ensure a tender and juicy result after baking.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days. To reheat, simply place everything in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This method helps maintain the texture of the chicken and restores the freshness of the vegetables.

Easily Scale This Recipe

Scaling this recipe is effortlessly achievable. If you’re hosting a larger gathering, you can double the ingredients on two sheet pans while keeping the same baking temperature. Just make sure to leave space between the ingredients to ensure even cooking and browning.

Additionally, if you want to try different protein options, bone-in chicken thighs can be substituted with boneless chicken breasts or even fish, like salmon. Adjust the cooking time slightly; boneless chicken and fish typically take about 20-25 minutes to cook through, while larger cuts may require more time.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, though the cooking time will need to be reduced to about 20-25 minutes.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to include vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or even artichoke hearts for added flavor.

→ Can I make this in advance?

You can prepare the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you're ready to bake.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients used in this recipe are gluten-free.