Description
These Baked Mediterranean Chicken Thighs are a flavorful, one-pan dinner dream! Juicy, bone-in thighs are marinated in lemon, garlic, tomato, and bold Mediterranean spices before being baked to tender, golden perfection. Easy to make, healthy, and packed with bright, zesty flavors—this is your go-to weeknight dinner with minimal fuss and maximum deliciousness. Serve it with yellow rice or a crisp salad, and you’ve got a Mediterranean feast on the table in under an hour!
Ingredients
(Serves 4)
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8 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin and excess fat removed
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1 onion, thinly sliced
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1 ripe tomato, skin removed and grated
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2–3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
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Juice of 1 lemon
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2 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional)
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5 garlic cloves, minced
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon Spanish La Vera smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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½ teaspoon white pepper
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Salt, to taste
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 200°C / 400°F.
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Make the marinade: In a deep ceramic baking dish, grate the tomato, then add lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, onion powder, and white pepper. Stir to create a fragrant, evenly mixed marinade.
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Add the chicken: Nestle the chicken thighs into the marinade, coating well. Tuck the onion slices around the thighs and top with rosemary sprigs. Season generously with salt.
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Bake uncovered for 40 minutes, or until chicken is golden and juices run clear.
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Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Finish with a final squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of parsley or coriander if desired. Enjoy warm!
Notes
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Make ahead: Marinate the chicken up to 12 hours in advance for even more flavor!
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No rosemary? Swap for thyme, basil, or dried Italian seasoning.
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Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a little heat.
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Veggie boost: Add sliced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini to the pan.
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Leftovers are fantastic! Use them in wraps, grain bowls, or over couscous for a quick lunch.
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Equipment
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Ceramic baking dish (approx. 12×8 inches, 2 inches deep)
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Oven
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- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baked, One-Pan
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 150g (Approx. 1–2 chicken thighs)
- Calories: 371
- Sugar: 2.3g
- Sodium: 131mg
- Fat: 20.7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7.4g
- Fiber: 1.9g
- Protein: 38.4g
- Cholesterol: 126mg
Keywords: Baked Mediterranean chicken thighs, Mediterranean dinner, healthy chicken thigh recipe, one-pan Mediterranean chicken