Description
These Healthy Mediterranean Chicken Thighs deliver deep flavor, minimal cleanup, and high-quality nutrition without spending hours in the kitchen. Utilizing high-heat roasting and a punchy herb marinade, this dish transforms humble poultry into a restaurant-quality meal.
Ingredients
Scale
1.5–2 pounds Chicken Thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Juice of 1 Fresh Lemo
4–5 cloves Garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon Dried Oregano
1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
Coarse Sea Salt (to taste)
Black Pepper (to taste)
1 teaspoon Honey (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C)
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of one lemon, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. If using honey, whisk it in now until fully incorporated
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and toss with the marinade until thoroughly coated
- Arrange on the Pan: Place the thighs on a rimmed baking sheet or cast-iron skillet, skin-side up and spaced out
- Roast: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
- Broil (Optional): For extra-crispy skin, broil for the last 2 minutes of cooking, watching closely
- Rest: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving
Notes
Using a meat thermometer is crucial to ensure proper cooking.
Patting the skin dry helps achieve crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large bone-in thigh
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 109mg