Oven-Roasted Lemon-Oregano Chicken with Greek Olives
Tender chicken thighs roasted with fresh lemon, oregano, and briny Greek olives for a vibrant Mediterranean flavor. 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.
Ingredients
- 8 pieces bone-in chicken thighs
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 slices fresh lemon slices
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, combine 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tsp dried oregano, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; whisk until blended.
- Step 2: Add 8 bone-in chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Step 3: Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Scatter 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives and 4 lemon slices around the chicken.
- Step 4: Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the chicken skin crisps and internal temperature reaches 165°F, basting once halfway through with pan juices.
- Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing flavors to meld and juices to redistribute.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Oven-Roasted Lemon-Oregano Chicken with Greek 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-Roasted Lemon-Oregano Chicken with Greek 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-Roasted Lemon-Oregano Chicken with Greek 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-Roasted Lemon-Oregano Chicken with Greek 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-Roasted Lemon-Oregano Chicken with Greek 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.