One-Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Olives and Tomatoes

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs roasted with Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs, offering a vibrant and savory Mediterranean flavor in a simple one-pan meal. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs (about 2 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs, pitted Kalamata olives, halved cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.0 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Pat dry 6 bone-in chicken thighs and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on all sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin side down and sear for 5-6 minutes until golden and crisp, then flip and sear the other side for 3 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken temporarily, add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives, and 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant and tomatoes start releasing juice.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the tomatoes and olives. Scatter 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano and 3 sprigs fresh thyme over everything, drizzle 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and sprinkle 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using.
  5. Step 5: Transfer skillet to the oven and roast for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F) and tomatoes are tender, juices bubbling.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven, discard thyme stems, and serve warm, spooning pan juices over the chicken.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Olives and Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 One-Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Olives and Tomatoes?

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 pitted kalamata olives from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Olives and Tomatoes?

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 One-Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Olives and Tomatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

Is One-Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Olives and Tomatoes gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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