Mediterranean Baked Chicken Thighs with Bell Peppers

Mediterranean Baked Chicken Thighs with Bell Peppers

This simple Mediterranean baked chicken recipe features juicy, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs baked alongside vibrant bell peppers, onions, and garlic in a zesty olive oil and herb marinade. The chicken becomes golden and crispy while the peppers caramelize in the pan juices, creating a naturally flavorful side. It’s a fuss-free dish that’s perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners.

Serve it with rice, couscous, or warm pita bread to soak up the flavorful juices.

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Marinate Time (Optional): 30 minutes or overnight

Cook Time: 35–40 minutes

Total Time: 45–50 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp garlic powder

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Juice of 1 lemon

Zest of 1 lemon

For the Vegetables:

3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced into strips

1 small red onion, thinly sliced

4 garlic cloves, smashed

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Extra lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) for a crispy finish.

Season the Chicken:

In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs with olive oil, smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Rub the seasoning evenly over the chicken.

For best results, marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight, but you can bake immediately if needed.

Prepare the Vegetables:

In a separate bowl, toss the bell peppers, red onion, and garlic cloves with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Assemble the Dish:

Arrange the vegetable mixture in a large baking dish or sheet pan.

Nestle the chicken thighs skin-side up on top of the vegetables.

Bake the Chicken:

Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken skin is golden and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).

Serve:

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.

Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve with extra lemon wedges.

Serving Suggestions

With grains: Serve over rice, couscous, quinoa, or bulgur.

With bread: Pair with warm pita or crusty bread to soak up the pan juices.

With salad: A simple side salad or Greek salad works well for balance.

Tips

Use Bone-In, Skin-On Thighs

They stay juicy and flavorful during baking, and the skin crisps beautifully.

Marinate for Extra Flavor

If you have time, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to overnight to enhance the Mediterranean spices and citrus notes.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

Give the chicken and peppers space in the baking dish so they roast and caramelize rather than steam.

Broil for Crispy Skin

For extra crispiness, broil the chicken thighs for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking—just watch closely to avoid burning.

Use Fresh Lemon

Fresh lemon juice and zest make a huge difference, adding brightness to balance the richness of the chicken.

Variations

Add More Veggies

Include zucchini, cherry tomatoes, eggplant, or mushrooms for variety.

Add potatoes or sweet potatoes for a full one-pan meal.

Switch Up the Protein

Use chicken drumsticks or leg quarters instead of thighs.

For boneless chicken, reduce baking time to 20–25 minutes.

Spice It Up

Add red pepper flakes or harissa paste for a spicier kick.

Use sumac or za’atar for extra Mediterranean flavor.

Cheese Topping

Crumble feta cheese over the baked dish just before serving for a creamy, salty finish.

Olive & Herb Additions

Toss in kalamata olives, capers, or fresh rosemary for extra Mediterranean flair.

Q&A

Q: Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

A: Yes! Boneless thighs cook faster, usually in 20–25 minutes, but they won’t get as crispy on top.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can season and assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge, then bake when ready.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

A: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10–15 minutes to maintain crispness, or use an air fryer for a quick reheat.

Q: Can I make this dish low-sodium?

A: Yes! Simply reduce the salt, use low-sodium seasoning blends, and skip adding olives or feta if using the variation.

Q: What sides go best with this dish?

A: Pair it with:

Lemon herb couscous

Greek salad

Tzatziki sauce and pita

Grilled vegetables

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings)

Note: Nutritional values vary depending on the amount of skin, oil, and optional garnishes used.

Conclusion

Mediterranean Baked Chicken Thighs with Bell Peppers is a one-pan wonder that brings bold, rustic flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. The smoky spices, caramelized peppers, and crispy-skinned chicken create a satisfying, nutritious meal that’s perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings. With simple variations and versatile sides, this recipe is a go-to for healthy Mediterranean-inspired comfort food.