Greek Sheet Pan Chicken

This Greek sheet pan chicken dinner transforms basic ingredients into a vibrant Mediterranean feast with minimal effort. The combination of juicy chicken thighs, colorful vegetables, and classic Greek flavors creates a complete meal that roasts to perfection on a single pan.

I first created this recipe during a particularly busy week when I needed something impressive yet effortless. Now it's my go-to whenever friends come over unexpectedly, as it never fails to make them think I put in far more effort than I actually did.

Ingredients

• Olive oil provides the base for the marinade and adds authentic Mediterranean flavor
• Fresh lemon juice brightens the entire dish and tenderizes the chicken
• Garlic cloves mince them yourself for the best flavor intensity
• Dried oregano and thyme classic Greek herbs that withstand high-heat cooking
• Dijon mustard adds subtle tanginess and helps emulsify the marinade
• Chicken thighs bone-in and skin-on varieties offer the most flavor and stay juicy
• Zucchini absorbs the marinade beautifully while maintaining some texture
• Bell pepper adds sweetness and vibrant color
• Red onion provides aromatic depth and turns slightly caramelized when roasted
• Cherry tomatoes burst during cooking to create natural sauce
• Kalamata olives bring authentic briny Greek flavor
• Feta cheese adds creamy saltiness to finish the dish
• Fresh parsley brightens everything with color and fresh herb flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create the marinade

Combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried herbs, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper in a small bowl and whisk thoroughly. This flavorful mixture serves as both the chicken marinade and vegetable coating, unifying all the flavors in the dish.

Marinate the chicken

Place chicken thighs in a bowl and pour about two thirds of your marinade over them. Use your hands to massage the marinade into every part of the chicken, ensuring even flavor distribution. Allow the chicken to marinate for 10 to 15 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.

Prepare the vegetables

Spread your chopped zucchini, bell pepper, red onion, and tomatoes across a large sheet pan. Drizzle with remaining marinade and toss until everything is evenly coated. Arrange vegetables to create small spaces for the chicken pieces.

Bake the first round

Nestle marinated chicken pieces among the vegetables, making sure they sit directly on the sheet pan rather than on top of vegetables. Bake at 425°F for 30 minutes, allowing the chicken to start browning and vegetables to begin softening.

Add finishing ingredients

Remove the pan from the oven and scatter kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese throughout. The olives will warm through while the feta will soften slightly without completely melting. Return to the oven for 10 to 15 more minutes.

Finish and serve

Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley before serving directly from the sheet pan or transferring to a serving platter. The fresh herbs add brightness and color to the finished dish.

Save This

The kalamata olives are truly the secret ingredient that makes this dish special. I once made this without them when I was out, and while still delicious, it lacked that distinctive Mediterranean punch that makes everyone ask for the recipe.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually intensify overnight, making this an excellent meal prep option. To reheat, place portions in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can make the chicken rubbery and vegetables soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If chicken thighs aren't your preference, you can use chicken breasts instead. Remember they cook faster than thighs, so add them to the pan about 25 minutes into cooking the vegetables to prevent them from drying out. Vegetarians can substitute firm tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based protein option. Try swapping zucchini for eggplant or adding artichoke hearts for even more Mediterranean flair.

Serving Suggestions

This sheet pan dinner is hearty enough to serve on its own, but pairs beautifully with simple sides. Try serving with warm pita bread for scooping up the flavorful juices, or alongside a simple Greek salad for a complete feast. For a more substantial meal, consider adding cooked orzo pasta or a side of hummus with extra pita. A glass of chilled white wine like Assyrtiko completes the Mediterranean experience.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your chicken skin isn't crisping up properly, position your oven rack closer to the top heating element for the last few minutes of cooking. For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken completely dry before applying the marinade. If your vegetables are cooking too quickly while the chicken needs more time, cover just the vegetables with a small piece of foil while leaving the chicken exposed.

Common Queries

→ Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts, but adjust cooking time accordingly. Boneless thighs take about 25-30 minutes, while chicken breasts only need 20-25 minutes. For best results with chicken breasts, roast the vegetables first for 15-20 minutes before adding the chicken to prevent it from drying out.

→ Why is there liquid at the bottom of my sheet pan?

The liquid is completely normal and expected! It comes from natural juices released by the chicken as it cooks, plus the high water content vegetables like zucchini and tomatoes release moisture during roasting. These juices are actually flavorful and great for drizzling over rice or other sides served with the meal.

→ Can I make this ahead of time for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish is excellent for meal prep and will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can store individual portions in airtight containers for easy lunches or dinners. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

→ What sides pair well with Greek sheet pan chicken?

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, couscous, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices. A simple Greek salad, tzatziki sauce, or hummus also make excellent accompaniments to round out the meal with authentic Mediterranean flavors.

→ Can I customize the vegetables in this dish?

Definitely! This is an adaptable dish that works well with many vegetables. Consider adding artichoke hearts, eggplant, potatoes, or green beans. Just be mindful that harder vegetables like carrots or potatoes may need to be added earlier or cut smaller to ensure they cook through properly.

→ How can I ensure the chicken skin gets crispy?

For extra-crispy skin, make sure the chicken thighs are patted dry before marinating, and arrange them skin-side up on the sheet pan. You can also move the pan to a higher rack position for the last 5 minutes of cooking or briefly broil the dish to achieve golden, crispy skin.