Oven-Baked Lemon-Oregano Chicken with Feta and Kalamata Olives
Juicy chicken thighs baked with bright lemon, fragrant oregano, tangy feta, and salty Kalamata olives for a classic Greek-inspired meal. This greek-inspired chicken (mediterranean) ready in about 60 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces bone-in chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until well combined.
- Step 2: Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Let them marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Step 3: Transfer the chicken thighs to a baking dish skin side up, pour the marinade over, and scatter 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives around the chicken.
- Step 4: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the skin is golden and crispy.
- Step 5: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley over the hot chicken. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Oven-Baked Lemon-Oregano Chicken with Feta and Kalamata 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 Oven-Baked Lemon-Oregano Chicken with Feta and Kalamata 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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Oven-Baked Lemon-Oregano Chicken with Feta and Kalamata 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 Oven-Baked Lemon-Oregano Chicken with Feta and Kalamata Olives 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.
What goes well with Oven-Baked Lemon-Oregano Chicken with Feta and Kalamata Olives?
Greek 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.