I absolutely love this Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner Recipe because it’s a real game-changer for busy weeknights. Everything cooks together on one pan—juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, and bright bursts of olives and feta—which means less mess and more time to relax after dinner. I first tried this when I wanted a flavorful, healthy dinner that didn’t require standing over the stove, and now I turn to it whenever I want something effortless but still impressive.
You’ll find that this recipe works beautifully whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends. The blend of lemon, garlic, and oregano gives the chicken that classic Greek flavor, while the roasted veggies soak up all those wonderful aromatics. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but comes together pretty quickly — perfect for when you want a special meal but don’t want to fuss too much.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple One-Pan Meal: Less cleaning means more relaxing after dinner.
- Bold Mediterranean Flavors: Lemon, oregano, garlic, and feta come together perfectly.
- Flexible and Adaptable: Easily swap veggies or chicken cuts to suit your tastes.
- Family Favorite: My crew always asks for seconds, making it a weeknight winner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner Recipe come together to create layers of flavor that feel both fresh and cozy. Grab fresh lemon and garlic for brightness, and don’t skimp on the feta and olives—they’re what give this dish its true Mediterranean soul.
- Olive Oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh is key. A fresh lemon gives more vibrant acidity than bottled juice.
- Garlic Cloves: Mince finely to really infuse the marinade.
- Dried Oregano: The classic herb for that unmistakable Greek taste.
- Dried Thyme: Adds a subtle earthiness that balances the citrus.
- Dijon Mustard: Gives a mild tang and helps emulsify the marinade.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds just the right kick.
- Chicken Thighs (Bone-in, Skin-on): They stay juicy and flavorful when roasted.
- Zucchini: Halved and sliced lengthwise for even cooking and texture contrast.
- Yellow Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness and color to the pan.
- Red Onion: Sliced into wedges for caramelizing beautifully in the oven.
- Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: Burst with juicy sweetness after roasting.
- Kalamata Olives: Pitted olives bring the salty, briny pop.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled on top for creamy tanginess that melts slightly as it bakes.
- Fresh Parsley: Finely chopped for a fresh herbal finish.
Variations
I love tweaking this Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner Recipe depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. It’s such a forgiving recipe—feel free to swap vegetables or even marinade herbs to keep things fresh and interesting.
- Chicken Breast Swap: When I’m short on time, I use chicken breasts but roast them separately since they cook faster and can dry out if cooked too long.
- Different Vegetables: I’ve tried artichoke hearts or eggplant instead of zucchini to reduce the pan’s liquid and add variety.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade when I want some heat.
- Herb Mix: Fresh dill or mint instead of parsley can be a refreshing twist that brightens the dish.
How to Make Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together Your Zesty Marinade
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Then, mix the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk everything until combined—you’ll notice the mustard helps bind the marinade, giving it a wonderful tangy texture that coats the chicken perfectly.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Thrills
Place your chicken thighs in a large bowl and pour about two-thirds of the marinade over them. I always use my hands (clean ones, of course) to really rub the marinade into every nook and cranny. Let the chicken sit for 10-15 minutes—this short marinate time is enough to infuse flavor without delaying dinner.
Step 3: Prep and Toss the Veggies
While your chicken marinates, slice your zucchini, chop the bell pepper, slice the red onion into wedges, and toss the tomatoes onto a sheet pan. Drizzle the remaining marinade over the vegetables and toss them well so they soak up all those delicious flavors. This little step is key to ensuring your veggies roast with that signature Greek essence.
Step 4: Roast Everything Together
Nestle the marinated chicken thighs among the veggies on the pan. Pop it into the oven and bake for 30 minutes. This step lets the chicken skin become golden and crispy while the vegetables begin to soften and caramelize — you’ll already smell the incredible aroma filling your kitchen!
Step 5: Add Olives, Feta, and Finish Baking
After 30 minutes, remove the pan and scatter the pitted Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese over everything. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the veggies are tender and the chicken registers 165°F internally. This final stage adds that sharp, salty bite that really brings the dish alive.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle your freshly chopped parsley over the hot chicken and veggies right before serving. This simple touch adds color and a fresh herbal note that makes the dish feel complete. Grab some warm pita, rice, or your favorite grain to soak up those delicious juices.
Pro Tips for Making Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Giving space around chicken and veggies helps them roast evenly and develop crispy edges.
- Adjust Oven Rack Placement: If your chicken isn’t browning enough, move the pan to a higher rack or broil for a minute at the end.
- Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Thighs: This keeps the meat juicy and flavorful during roasting.
- Embrace the Juices: Don’t discard the pan drippings—they’re perfect drizzled over rice or crusty bread for extra flavor.
How to Serve Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and brightness. Sometimes, I’ll add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right at the table for that extra zing. A few torn fresh mint leaves can also add a lovely unexpected freshness that balances the richness.
Side Dishes
To round out this Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner Recipe, I often serve it alongside fluffy couscous, lemony rice pilaf, or warm pita bread. A simple Greek salad or tzatziki sauce makes wonderful companions if you want to amp up that Mediterranean vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I sometimes present the chicken and veggies on a large rustic platter, garnished with whole lemon slices and a scattering of kalamata olives. It looks colorful and inviting, turning a simple sheet pan meal into a festive centerpiece everyone wants to dig into.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the meal, I cool leftovers completely before transferring them to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, the chicken with veggies keeps for about 3 to 4 days. Reheating gently in the oven or on the stovetop keeps the chicken skin from getting too soggy.
Freezing
I’ve frozen leftovers of this Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner Recipe a few times with good results—just make sure everything is well cooled first. Portion the chicken and veggies into freezer-safe containers, and consume within 2 months for best flavor. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, I preheat my oven to 350°F and heat the chicken and veggies plated separately for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This way, the chicken skin can regain some crispiness, and the veggies stay nicely textured without getting mushy.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in the Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but keep in mind they cook faster and can dry out if overcooked. I recommend roasting the vegetables first, then adding the breasts in the last 20-25 minutes, checking for doneness with a meat thermometer to keep them juicy and tender.
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Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
Marinating for 10-15 minutes enhances flavor but isn’t absolutely required if you’re short on time. The chicken will still roast beautifully, but the marinade does add a nice tang and herbaceous depth that makes the dish truly Greek-inspired.
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What if I don’t like olives or feta?
You can omit or replace them with other salty, tangy ingredients like capers or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Alternatively, serve the chicken and veggies without these toppings and offer them on the side so everyone can add to their liking.
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How can I reduce the liquid released during roasting?
High water content vegetables like zucchini and tomatoes release lots of moisture. To reduce liquid, swap in lower-water veggies like artichoke hearts or cabbage. Also, spreading ingredients out on the pan gives steam room to evaporate liquid, helping everything roast evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner Recipe has truly become my go-to for flavorful, fuss-free weeknight dinners. I love how it fills my kitchen with the fresh scents of garlic, lemon, and oregano, and how the one-pan setup means less time cleaning and more time enjoying with loved ones. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be a staple in your cooking rotation too—comforting, vibrant, and absolutely delicious.
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
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner is a vibrant and flavorful one-pan meal featuring succulent bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs marinated in a lemony, garlic, and herb sauce. Paired with zucchini, bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and topped with tangy feta and fresh parsley, this dinner is easy to prepare and perfect for a wholesome Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Marinade and Chicken
- 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
- 6 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
Vegetables
- 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
Toppings
- 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 to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl, pour two-thirds of the marinade over them, and use your hands to thoroughly coat each piece. Let the chicken marinate for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the vibrant flavors.
- Prep the vegetables: While the chicken marinates, spread the zucchini slices, chopped yellow bell pepper, red onion wedges, and cherry tomatoes evenly onto a large baking sheet. Drizzle the remaining marinade over the veggies and toss gently to coat them well.
- Bake the chicken and vegetables: Nestle the marinated chicken thighs among the vegetables on the baking sheet. Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook and begin to brown as the vegetables soften.
- Finish baking with olives and feta: Remove the baking sheet from the oven, scatter the kalamata olives and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the chicken and vegetables. Return the sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the vegetables are tender.
- Garnish and serve: Once cooked, sprinkle the dish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a bright finishing touch and serve warm straight from the pan.
Notes
- Ovens vary: If chicken skin isn’t browning enough, move the rack higher or broil for the last minute or two; lower the rack or reduce temperature if browning too quickly.
- Expect some liquid on the sheet pan from natural juices of chicken and vegetables. If desired, substitute lower water-content veggies like artichoke hearts or cabbage.
- Chicken breasts can be used but require less cook time (20–25 minutes). Roast vegetables alone first, then add breasts in last 25 minutes to prevent drying out.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg