Baked Lemon-Garlic Mediterranean Chicken with Olives

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender baked chicken thighs infused with lemon, garlic, and briny olives, capturing vibrant Mediterranean flavors in every bite. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (mediterranean) ready in about 60 minutes pairs chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp lemon zest, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp dried oregano, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, whisking until well blended and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on, to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat each piece. Let marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Place the marinated chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet lined with foil. Scatter 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives evenly around the chicken.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 35-40 minutes until the chicken skin is golden and crisp, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Lemon-Garlic Mediterranean Chicken with Olives take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Lemon-Garlic Mediterranean Chicken with Olives?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Lemon-Garlic Mediterranean Chicken with Olives?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Lemon-Garlic Mediterranean Chicken with Olives for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Lemon-Garlic Mediterranean Chicken with Olives?

Mediterranean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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