If you enjoy easy, flavor-packed meals, this one checks every box. Greek Sheet Pan Chicken is a simple homemade meal that brings bright Mediterranean flavors to an effortless weeknight dish. It’s great for busy families, home cooks who love one-pan dinners, and anyone who wants a cozy, healthy meal without fuss.
This easy recipe uses chicken, lemon, oregano, olives, and crisp-roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying plate straight from the oven. I also like to pair it with warm pita or a fresh salad for a fuller spread. For a fun twist, try the sheet pan chicken served in pita pockets for lunch the next day, inspired by this sheet pan chicken pitas recipe.
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Top Reasons Home Cooks Love This Dish
This recipe balances robust flavor with minimal cleanup, which is a practical win on busy nights. Roasting everything together concentrates flavors: the chicken stays juicy while vegetables caramelize and pick up the pan juices. Emotionally, it feels like a restaurant meal you made at home and leaves everyone satisfied without a lot of effort.
It’s flexible too, swap vegetables or add chickpeas for extra protein. For those who meal prep, this makes reliable leftovers. Overall, the combination of speed, taste, and comfort is what makes Greek Sheet Pan Chicken a repeatable favorite.
Greek Sheet Pan Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a mixing bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Add chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for 15 minutes to 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line the sheet pan with parchment for easier cleanup if desired.
- Spread red onion, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes on the pan. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Nestle the marinated chicken pieces among the vegetables, skin side up if using skin-on. Scatter Kalamata olives around the pan.
- Roast for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle crumbled feta and chopped parsley or dill over the top, and finish with a splash of red wine vinegar or extra lemon juice. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Here’s what you’ll need to make Greek Sheet Pan Chicken:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts – thighs stay juicier
- 3 tablespoons olive oil – extra virgin for flavor
- 2 lemons – juice and zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano – or 2 tablespoons fresh, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – adjust to taste
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes – halved
- 1 large red onion, cut into wedges – keeps shape while roasting
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced – or use yellow/green
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives – adds briny contrast
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta – sprinkle after baking
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar – optional splash
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – optional for warmth
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish – bright finish
Equipment
- Large rimmed sheet pan – essential for even roasting
- Mixing bowl – for marinade
- Tongs or spatula – to turn chicken and vegetables
- Small whisk or fork – to mix dressing
- Instant-read thermometer – helpful for perfect doneness
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinade and prep
- In a mixing bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Add chicken and toss to coat. Marinate 15 minutes to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line the sheet pan with parchment for easier cleanup if desired.
Assemble on the sheet pan
3. Spread red onion, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes on the pan. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.
4. Nestle the marinated chicken pieces among the vegetables, skin side up if using skin-on. Scatter Kalamata olives around the pan.
Roast and finish
5. Roast for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and vegetables are tender and slightly charred. Timing depends on chicken piece size.
6. Remove from oven, sprinkle crumbled feta and chopped parsley or dill over the top, and finish with a splash of red wine vinegar or extra lemon juice. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Use bone-in thighs for the most forgiving, juicy results.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; give ingredients room to roast and caramelize.
- If vegetables finish before chicken, remove them and keep warm; return to oven to finish chicken.
- For crispier chicken skin, broil 2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
- Swap vegetables seasonally: zucchini, potatoes, or eggplant work well.
- Short on time? Skip marinating and toss chicken in the dressing right before roasting.
- Too salty? Rinse brined olives or reduce salt; feta added at the end keeps saltiness balanced.
- Leftovers dry? Reheat gently with a splash of broth or olive oil in a skillet or covered in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Greek Sheet Pan Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice, couscous, or lemony orzo for a comforting plate.
- Fill warm pita pockets with sliced chicken, roasted veg, and tzatziki for handheld meals — great for work lunches.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or a simple cucumber-tomato salad with olive oil and vinegar.
- Add hummus, roasted potatoes, or a side of steamed greens for variety.
- For a grain bowl variation, combine leftovers with greens, quinoa, and a dollop of yogurt for easy lunches inspired by Greek chicken bowls.
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze portions (without feta) in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil for 10-15 minutes, or warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water to prevent drying.
- Add fresh lemon and crumbled feta after reheating to revive flavors.
Nutrition Notes
- This dish provides lean protein from chicken and healthy fats from olive oil.
- Vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants; tomatoes and bell peppers boost vitamin C.
- Using skin-on chicken increases fat slightly; remove skin to reduce calories.
- Swapping in whole grains like brown rice or farro increases fiber and keeps the meal balanced.
FAQs
How long should I marinate the chicken for this recipe?
Marinate chicken for at least 15 minutes to let flavors absorb. For best results, marinate 1 to 2 hours in the refrigerator. Avoid much longer for chicken pieces with very acidic marinades to prevent texture changes.
Can I use frozen chicken for Greek sheet pan chicken?
Thawed chicken works best. If using frozen, fully thaw in the fridge before marinating and roasting to ensure even cooking and safe internal temperature.
What temperature and timing are best for roasting?
Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25 to 35 minutes depending on piece size. Bone-in thighs may need up to 40 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer for 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
Can I make this recipe gluten free?
Yes. The core recipe is naturally gluten free if you avoid adding gluten-containing sides or marinades. Serve with rice, potatoes, or certified gluten-free pita.
What’s a good vegetarian swap for this sheet pan meal?
Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, toss with the same marinade, and roast until crisp. Add hearty veggies like potatoes or eggplant to bulk up the meal.
Conclusion
Give this a try, you may be surprised how quickly it becomes a favorite. For another take on a sheet pan Greek-style dinner, check out this Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner recipe for inspiration and variations. This simple homemade meal and weeknight dish will likely become part of your regular rotation, offering easy recipe comfort and bright Mediterranean flavors.