Oven-Roasted Mediterranean Herb Chicken with Lemon and Olives

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs roasted with fragrant Mediterranean herbs, tangy lemon slices, and briny olives for a bright, rustic flavor. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (mediterranean) ready in about 55 minutes pairs olive oil, fresh rosemary, chopped, fresh thyme leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a small bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp chopped rosemary, 1 tbsp thyme, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Rub the herb mixture all over 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, ensuring the skin is well coated.
  3. Step 3: Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up in a single layer in a roasting pan or baking dish. Scatter 1 cup pitted kalamata olives and 1 thinly sliced lemon over and around the chicken.
  4. Step 4: Pour 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.
  5. Step 5: Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the chicken skin is golden brown and an internal temperature of 165°F is reached. Baste occasionally with pan juices.
  6. Step 6: Let rest 5 minutes before serving with pan juices spooned over.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Oven-Roasted Mediterranean Herb Chicken with Lemon and Olives take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 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 Mediterranean Herb Chicken with Lemon and 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Oven-Roasted Mediterranean Herb Chicken with Lemon and 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 Mediterranean Herb Chicken with Lemon and 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 Oven-Roasted Mediterranean Herb Chicken with Lemon and 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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