If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that promises robust flavor and effortless preparation, this Mediterranean Chicken recipe is your answer. Inspired by the sun-drenched coasts and vibrant culinary traditions of the Mediterranean, this dish brings together the best of simple, wholesome ingredients to create a truly unforgettable meal.

Succulent chicken thighs are coated in a creamy Greek yogurt base, meticulously blended with an aromatic medley of warm spices, fresh herbs, pungent garlic, and zesty lemon. This magical marinade not only infuses the chicken with incredible depth but also ensures it remains exceptionally moist and tender as it bakes to a beautiful golden perfection. It’s a deliciously satisfying dish, bursting with the bold and bright flavors characteristic of the Mediterranean diet, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners or relaxed entertaining.

This easy baked chicken dinner is designed for maximum flavor and minimal fuss. It pairs wonderfully with the refreshing lemon-parsley orzo, but is equally delightful alongside fluffy rice, crisp salads, or warm pita bread for a truly comforting and family-friendly meal that everyone will love.

Beyond its incredible taste, this Mediterranean chicken recipe is also fantastic for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy healthy, flavorful meals throughout the week without extra effort. Its versatility and deliciousness make it a staple in any kitchen.

If you’re a fan of delicious chicken, you might also enjoy my Greek Chicken, Greek Lemon Chicken, Baked Chicken Tenders or these Easy Chicken Sliders. These recipes offer a variety of flavors and cooking methods, ensuring there’s always a chicken dish to suit your craving.

Why You Will Love This Mediterranean Chicken Recipe

• Explosive Mediterranean Flavor: The secret lies in the yogurt marinade, which not only acts as a powerful tenderizer but also infuses the chicken with an incredible depth of flavor. The combination of earthy spices like cumin and paprika with bright lemon and fragrant herbs creates a truly authentic and irresistible taste profile that transports you straight to the Mediterranean.
• Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: This recipe relies on readily available pantry staples and fresh ingredients you likely already have on hand. It celebrates the simplicity and freshness that are hallmarks of Mediterranean cooking, proving that extraordinary meals don’t require complicated components.
• Incredibly Meal Prep Friendly: Designed for convenience, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time, allowing flavors to deepen and making weeknight cooking a breeze. Simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready, and you’ll have a healthy, homemade dinner on the table in no time. It’s perfect for batch cooking and enjoying throughout the week.
• Healthy & Nutritious: Aligned with the principles of the Mediterranean diet, this dish is packed with lean protein, healthy fats from olive oil and yogurt, and vibrant nutrients from fresh herbs. It’s a meal you can feel good about serving to your family, contributing to a balanced and wholesome lifestyle.
• Versatile Pairing Options: While the lemon-parsley orzo is a fantastic accompaniment, this chicken is incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with a range of sides, from simple salads and roasted vegetables to various grains and warm flatbreads, allowing you to customize your meal to your preference.

Here’s a closer look at the simple yet powerful ingredients that bring this Mediterranean Chicken to life. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the detailed recipe card below.

• Greek Yogurt: This is the cornerstone of our marinade. Greek yogurt’s acidity works wonders to tenderize the chicken by gently breaking down proteins, resulting in incredibly moist and succulent meat. Its creamy texture also helps the spices adhere beautifully, locking in maximum flavor. While plain yogurt can be used, Greek yogurt offers a thicker consistency and a more pronounced tangy note that I find elevates the dish.
• Chicken: Our recipe spotlights bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, celebrated for their rich flavor and ability to remain exceptionally juicy during baking. The skin, when crisped, adds a delightful textural contrast. If you prefer, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative and will cook slightly quicker, so monitor their temperature carefully. Chicken breasts can also be used, though they tend to be leaner and may require adjusted cooking times to prevent drying out.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice serves a dual purpose: its acidity further aids in tenderizing the chicken, while its bright, citrusy notes cut through the richness of the yogurt and spices, bringing a vibrant balance to the overall flavor profile.
• Spices: The heart of the Mediterranean flavor comes from our carefully curated spice mixture. This blend includes earthy dried thyme, sweet and smoky paprika, warm cumin, pungent dried oregano, and a touch of cayenne pepper for a subtle, inviting kick. Each spice plays a vital role, contributing to a complex and aromatic taste.
• Olive Oil: A staple in Mediterranean cuisine, good quality extra virgin olive oil not only adds a fruity, peppery note to the marinade but also helps to create a beautiful crust on the chicken and ensures moisture retention.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a non-negotiable aromatic, providing a robust, savory base that enhances all the other flavors in the marinade.
• Fresh Parsley: Used both in the marinade (optionally) and as a generous garnish, fresh parsley adds a burst of herbaceous freshness and a beautiful green pop, especially when serving.
• Orzo: This small, rice-shaped pasta is a perfect companion to the chicken. It’s light yet satisfying and easily absorbs the bright flavors of the lemon and fresh parsley it’s tossed with. You could also try serving it with this delightful 4 Ingredient Cheesy Orzo Recipe.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese provides a salty, tangy counterpoint that beautifully complements the rich chicken and bright orzo, adding an authentic Mediterranean touch.

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken

Follow these straightforward steps to create a truly delicious Mediterranean Chicken meal that will impress everyone at your table.

Step 1: Prepare Chicken: Begin by preheating your oven to a robust 425°F (220°C). Lay your chicken thighs out on a clean cutting board or in a large bowl. Using paper towels, thoroughly pat both sides of the chicken thighs dry. This crucial step helps ensure a better browning and crispier skin. Generously season both sides of the chicken with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs in one or two 9×13 inch baking dishes, ensuring they are in a single layer for even cooking.

Step 2: Create the Yogurt Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, dried thyme, paprika, cumin, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and the marinade is smooth and aromatic. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken: Brush the creamy, flavorful marinade evenly over all sides of the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. For best results and maximum flavor infusion, cover the baking dish (or transfer chicken to an airtight container) and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. If time permits, marinating for 4-8 hours, or even overnight, will yield even more tender and deeply flavored chicken.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken: Once marinated, place the baking dish with the chicken into your preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken thighs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. The skin should be golden brown and slightly crispy. If you desire extra crispy skin, consider searing the chicken first (see tips below).

Step 5: Prepare the Lemon Parsley Orzo: While the chicken is baking, bring a pot of water or vegetable broth to a boil. Cook the orzo pasta according to the package directions until al dente (tender but still firm to the bite). Once cooked, drain the orzo thoroughly and transfer it to a medium mixing bowl. Stir in the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and chopped fresh parsley. Season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed and the orzo is coated.

Step 6: Serve: Once the Mediterranean Chicken is perfectly cooked, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness. Garnish generously with additional fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese. Serve the juicy chicken thighs over a bed of the bright and flavorful lemon-parsley orzo. Enjoy this incredibly satisfying and healthy meal!

Storage Tips

To keep your leftover Mediterranean Chicken and orzo fresh and delicious, store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you have a few options: for a quick warm-up, the microwave works well. However, for best results and to maintain some crispness on the chicken skin, gently reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. The orzo can also be quickly warmed in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to restore its moisture.