There's a certain kind of magic that happens when a single pan in a hot oven transforms simple ingredients into a complete, vibrant meal.
This Greek Sheet Pan Chicken isn't just easy; it's a masterclass in flavor and timing, where everything finishes together in perfect, juicy harmony.
Why This Recipe Earns a Permanent Spot in Your Rotation
Let's be honest, not all sheet pan dinners live up to the hype.
This one is the glorious exception, a dish where the chicken skin crackles, the potatoes soak up all the lemony, herby goodness, and the final fresh toppings make everything sing.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
Each component here plays a specific role, building layers of texture and taste.
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 1/2 pounds): These are the stars. The bone keeps the meat incredibly moist, while the skin crisps up into something you'll fight over.
Lemons (3 medium): You'll use both zest and juice. The zest packs a fragrant punch into the marinade, while the juice provides the essential bright, tangy backbone of the dish.
Olive oil (5 tablespoons): It coats everything for even roasting and helps all those beautiful spices stick to the chicken and veggies.
Dried oregano, paprika, garlic powder: This trio is the soul of the seasoning. Oregano offers that classic Greek aroma, paprika adds a subtle warmth and color, and garlic powder distributes its flavor evenly.
Yukon gold potatoes (1 1/2 pounds): Their thin skins and creamy interiors are perfect here. They hold their shape but become tender and absorb the pan juices beautifully.
Cherry tomatoes, orange bell peppers, red onion: The vegetable medley. Tomatoes burst with sweetness, peppers add a crunchy, colorful pop, and onions caramelize into silky, savory strips.
Block of feta, Persian cucumbers, kalamata olives, fresh dill: The cold, crunchy, briny topping. It's a refreshing salad that cuts through the richness of the hot chicken and potatoes.
Tzatziki and warm pita bread: The essential finishers. Creamy tzatziki adds a cool garlicky note, and pita is perfect for scooping up every last bit.
The Beauty of Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Thighs
Chicken breasts might seem tempting for a swap, but trust me on this one.
Thighs are forgiving, staying juicy even if you lose track of time for a minute, and that crispy skin is a textural gift you just don't get with leaner cuts.
How to make Greek Sheet Pan Chicken?
The process is straightforward, but a few key moves make all the difference.
Make this recipe yours—just save it to your Pinterest board!”
Step 1: The No-Wait Marinate
Preheat your oven to 450°F. In a large bowl, toss the chicken thighs with the zest and juice of one lemon, some olive oil, and half of your dried spices.
The magic here is that the chicken marinates in the time it takes you to chop all the vegetables, so you get all the benefit with zero extra planning.
Step 2: Vegetable Foundation
In another large bowl, combine your sliced potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and onion with more lemon zest, juice, olive oil, and the remaining spices.
Toss it until every piece glistens, then spread it all in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet. This creates the bed that will catch all the glorious chicken drippings.
Step 3: Assemble and Roast
Nestle the marinated chicken thighs right on top of the vegetables, leaving a little space between each piece for hot air to circulate.
Pour every last drop of that lemony marinade from the bowl over everything. The high heat of the oven will work its magic, roasting the chicken to crispy perfection and caramelizing the veggies.
Creating the Perfect Fresh Topping
While the pan is in the oven, you have just enough time to make the component that elevates the dish from great to unforgettable.
Simply stir together the cubed feta, chopped cucumbers, halved olives, and lots of fresh dill with your final lemon and a drizzle of oil. Pop it in the fridge to stay crisp.
Step 4: The Grand Finale
Once the chicken skin is deep golden and crisp, pull the sizzling pan from the oven.
Immediately scatter the cold, crunchy feta-cucumber salad over the top. The contrast is sensational. Add big dollops of cool tzatziki and serve right from the pan with warm pita bread for scooping.
Tips
Cut your potato slices evenly, about a quarter-inch thick. This ensures they cook through at the same rate as everything else.
Don't skip the step of leaving space between the chicken thighs on the pan. Crowding steams the skin instead of crisping it.
Let the sheet pan rest for just 5 minutes after baking. This allows the juices in the chicken to redistribute, making every bite succulent.
Serving Ideas Beyond the Pita
While warm pita is traditional and wonderful, this dish is versatile.
For a lighter option, serve it over a bed of peppery arugula or fluffy couscous. The pan juices make an incredible instant dressing or sauce.
Storing and Reawakening Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To reheat, I prefer the oven method. Spread the chicken and veggies on a foil-lined sheet, cover loosely with more foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until hot. It keeps the chicken skin from getting soggy.
Prep Time
35 mins
Cook Time
45 mins
Total Time
1 hr 20 mins
Difficulty:
easy
Cooking Temp:
232
C
Servings:
6
Estimated Cost:
25
Calories:
620
Best Season:
Spring, Summer, Fall
Description
Juicy chicken thighs are nestled in Mediterranean vegetables and topped with a bright cucumber-feta salad in this winning one-pan dinner. Potatoes bring heartiness, colorful veggies make it picture-perfect, and the bright flavors of Greek cuisine are a reliable crowd-pleaser.
1large red onion, halved and sliced 1/4-inch thick
6oz feta cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (preferably sheep or goat milk)
2 Persian cucumbers, quartered and chopped
1/3cup kalamata olives, halved (pitted)
1/3cup fresh dill, roughly chopped
prepared tzatziki and warm pita bread (for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
2
In a large bowl, toss chicken thighs with zest and juice of 1 lemon (2 tsp zest + 3 tbsp juice), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp oregano, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp salt, and several grinds of black pepper. Set aside to marinate while prepping vegetables.
3
In another large bowl, combine potatoes, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, zest and juice of 1 lemon (2 tsp zest + 3 tbsp juice), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp oregano, remaining ½ tsp paprika, remaining ½ tsp garlic powder, 1½ tsp salt, and pepper. Toss well and spread evenly on a rimmed baking sheet.
4
Place marinated chicken thighs on top of the vegetables, spacing them at least 2 inches apart. Pour any remaining marinade over the top.
5
Bake for 40–45 minutes, until vegetables are tender and browned in spots, and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
6
While chicken bakes, prepare topping: In a medium bowl, mix feta, cucumbers, olives, dill, remaining lemon zest and juice (2 tsp zest + 3 tbsp juice), 1 tbsp olive oil, ¼ tsp oregano, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until serving.
7
Remove sheet pan from oven. Top with cucumber-feta salad, dollop with tzatziki, and serve with warm pita bread.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
Serving Size 1 serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories620kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat35g54%
Saturated Fat10g50%
Cholesterol145mg49%
Sodium890mg38%
Potassium1120mg32%
Total Carbohydrate38g13%
Dietary Fiber5g20%
Sugars8g
Protein42g84%
Calcium 20 mg
Iron 3 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Why chicken thighs? Bone-in, skin-on thighs stay juicy and develop crispy skin—perfect for roasting.
Make ahead: Chop veggies and marinate chicken up to 4 hours ahead for faster assembly.
No tzatziki? Mix Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, garlic, lemon, and dill for a quick homemade version.
Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven to retain moisture.