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Flavorful Greek Chicken Thighs Recipe Easy Healthy Dinner with Olives and Fresh Herbs

Greek chicken thighs - featured image

This Greek chicken thighs recipe features tender, crispy skin chicken with olives and fresh herbs, delivering a bright, Mediterranean flavor that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
  • 1 cup green or Kalamata olives, pitted and halved (about 150 g)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water (120 ml)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking (about 2 minutes).
  4. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and sear for 5-6 minutes without moving until the skin is deep golden and crispy.
  5. Flip the chicken thighs and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside briefly.
  6. Lower heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  7. Add the olives, chopped oregano, parsley, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Stir for about a minute to combine flavors.
  8. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them among the olive-herb mixture.
  9. Pour the lemon juice and chicken broth around the chicken (not on top of the skin to keep it crisp).
  10. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
  11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before searing is key for crispy skin. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. If skin isn’t crispy enough after baking, broil for 1-2 minutes watching closely. Let chicken rest after baking to redistribute juices. If skillet is not oven-safe, transfer to a baking dish before roasting.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek chicken thighs, olives, fresh herbs, easy dinner, healthy chicken recipe, Mediterranean chicken, lemon chicken, crispy chicken skin