The Mediterranean diet isn’t just known for its health benefits – it’s also full of flavorsome meals.
With recipes from all different corners of the Mediterranean, from the sun-soaked groves of Greece to the bustling souks of Morocco, the enchanting Italian countryside to the aromatic kitchens of the Middle East, there’s a whole slew of different flavors to jump into.
Whether you’re an accomplished home cook or just starting your culinary journey, these Mediterranean chicken thigh recipes will impress anyone you’re cooking for.
Here are our best Mediterranean chicken thigh recipes.
Mediterranean Chicken Casserole
This Mediterranean Chicken Casserole is a great one-pot meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Boneless chicken thighs, olives, feta cheese, zucchini, bell peppers, and spices like dried basil and dried oregano are all brought together in this casserole.
It’s great to make ahead of time and to make in batches and frozen – simply just add the parsley and feta when you’re ready.
The result is a hearty, easy-to-prepare meal that’s perfect for any occasion, from a simple weeknight dinner to relaxed weekend hosting.
Serve with a salad and crusty bread to soak up those tasty sauces or enjoy with some pasta. juices or enjoy with a pasta of your choice.
Chicken Shawarma
Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish that traditionally features lamb or mutton.
However, chicken is used instead along with some creamy sauce and tangy pickles for a delightful burst of flavor.
If you’re looking for a dish to meal prep, this one is ideal – simply cook the chicken and make the sauce in advance, then you can just assemble the wraps when you’re ready.
I love Greek yogurt with pretty much anything these days, and as part of this shawarma, it tastes amazing.
Chicken thighs are far juicier than breasts, and they work especially well in this meal.
Skillet Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice
The Skillet Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice recipe delivers a hearty meal ideal for any weeknight dinner.
With chicken thighs marinated in Greek spices, garlic, and lemon juice, and then baked atop a bed of herbed rice, the dish promises a tantalizing mix of flavors.
The method simplifies meal prep as it all cooks in one pan, and leftovers hold up well for several days.
It offers a well-balanced meal with protein and carbs, and it pairs perfectly with a vegetable side dish or salad for an even healthier dinner option.
Chicken Shish Kabob Recipe (Shish Kebabs)
This Chicken Shish Kabob recipe features juicy chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of classic Greek ingredients like lemon juice, oregano, thyme, and Greek yogurt.
The chicken kabobs are paired with some fluffy flatbread, creamy tzatziki, and a light salad for a hearty yet healthy dinner experience.
Yogurt is one of the best ingredients to marinade chicken with (check our chicken marinade here), with the lactic acid in the yogurt gently breaking down the protein structure, resulting in less rubbery or mushy meats
A side of grilled veggies, fresh salsa, or even a simple rice dish would perfectly pair with these chicken shish kabobs.
Spanish Chicken Stew
Full of Spanish influence, this chicken stew combines the flavors of olives, tomatoes, peppers, and basil for a summery feel.
Chicken dinners made in one dish are always a favorite of mine, and the spices in this one changed be changed up depending on who’s eating.
Most of the time is simply just leaving it to cook in the oven.
Served with rice, potatoes, bread, or on its own, this stew offers a satisfying, hearty meal. It’s an easy, healthy choice that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Shish Tawook (Grilled Chicken Skewers)
Shish Tawook is a classic dish originating in Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Marinated in yogurt, lemon, and warm spices, the chicken is then grilled to a tender, juicy finish over charcoal.
A perfect companion to lavash or a vibrant salad, these skewers can be the centerpiece of an impressive Mediterranean spread.
Serve alongside something like a tabbouleh salad for a healthy dish you’ll just keep coming back to.
Musakhan (Sumac Chicken)
Musakhan is a classic Palestinian dish, that offers a delightful blend of flavors.
Chicken thighs are marinated and then roasted atop sliced onions to yield a mouth-watering mix of succulent chicken, crispy skin, and caramelized onions.
The dish really brings out the star ingredient, sumac, known for its unique citrusy tang.
Served on a flatbread, traditionally taboon, it comes together with a sprinkle of sautéed pinenuts.
It’s ready within an hour and makes for a perfect weekday dinner. And if you want to throw them in some wraps to have for lunch the next day.
Chicken Freekeh
This Lebanese Chicken Freekeh is a straightforward, 30-minute recipe that serves up tender pan-seared chicken thighs over a fluffy bed of freekeh, a unique grain boasting a smoky, nutty flavor.
Freekeh, similar to bulgur, is full of protein, iron, and fiber. This recipe complements the chicken and freekeh duo with a sprinkle of golden toasted almonds, adding a pleasant crunch.
It’s a wholesome meal, perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.
One-Pan Chicken and Chorizo with Cherry Tomatoes
This one-pan chicken and chorizo recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Spain into your kitchen with minimal effort.
Its success rests on the harmony of five simple, but flavourful ingredients: chicken, chorizo, garlic, cherry tomatoes, and basil.
The smoky, savory chorizo, the freshness of basil, and the sweetness of tomatoes create a winning combo.
Even though it is a breeze to prepare, the flavors are still amazing. It’s a Mediterranean delight that is sure to impress!
Yogurt Marinated Chicken with Harissa and Garlic
This Mediterranean-inspired recipe incorporates a rich, spiced Greek yogurt marinade to tenderize and flavor the chicken.
Ingredients like garlic, lemon, harissa paste, cumin, and turmeric give a vibrant, tangy profile.
It’s great chicken recipe for those relaxed summer barbecues, easy meal prep for the week, or a crowd-pleasing dish at gatherings.
Pair with a multitude of sides, from refreshing salads and rice pilaf to warm pita bread. Unique sauces like Zhoug and cucumber tzatziki can be served alongside, giving the zesty character of the dish.
Joojeh Kabob
Joojeh Kabob is a well-loved Iranian dish, featuring juicy chunks of chicken that are infused with the flavors of fresh onion and rich saffron.
The magic starts with a marinade, followed by grilling over an open flame to achieve a smoky, flavorful profile. This grilling technique adds an enticing layer to the taste and brings out the chicken’s inherent savoriness.
The kabobs are best served with fresh lavash or saffron rice, making it a versatile recipe for various dining experiences – from casual backyard barbecues to fancy dinner parties.
This recipe is truly an exploration of Persian cuisine, offering a unique way to enjoy chicken.
Chicken Thigh Piccata
Chicken Thigh Piccata is a refreshing take on the Italian dish. Traditionally piccata is made with veal cutlets, but this American-Italian version is just as tasty.
This time chicken thighs are tenderized and pan-fried until crisp and are then coated in a savory lemon butter sauce which is accentuated with capers, providing a tangy, salty contrast to the richness of the chicken.
The versatility of this dish makes it perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, as it comes together in just over 30 minutes. It proves that a meal can be both simple and elegant, using everyday ingredients to create an inviting, aromatic dish.
Balsamic Chicken & Mushrooms
This Sheet Pan Balsamic Chicken and Mushrooms involves baking chicken thighs with mushrooms and onions, all smothered in a sticky Balsamic glaze.
I love the speed you can put this together, making it perfect when you want something quick, easy and healthy in rotation. It brings both the savory and sweet flavors.
The meal can be served in many ways, such as alongside vegetables, grains, in a salad, or in a sandwich.
Mediterranean Braised Chicken with Apricots
This Mediterranean chicken thigh recipe takes a refreshing twist on the classic French Coq au Vin dish but with a fruity twist.
A concoction of red wine, fresh herbs, and some dried apricots provide some subtle sweetness, whilst the sauce is created by the wine and more fresh herbs.
The chicken is so tender, falling off the bone and drenched in a balanced wine sauce where acidity meets sweetness. Garnished with toasted pine nuts to finish.
It looks fantastic and as a one-pan meal, it’s great when you’re entertaining guests and need something that can feed everyone easily.
Skillet Chicken with Olives and Tomatoes
This Skillet Chicken with Olives and Tomatoes is a breezy fix for busy weeknights, bringing together the flavors of Italy in under 30 minutes.
Fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and aromatic herbs are key to the meal’s vibrant taste, while the bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide a rich and moist texture.
A hearty sauce complements the skillet chicken perfectly, inviting a side of crusty bread to mop up the remaining goodness.
It’s not just a convenient choice, but also a deliciously wholesome meal.
Sheet Pan Ratatouille Chicken Recipe
This Ratatouille is a new spin on a traditional dish, layering chicken thighs and ratatouille vegetables along with some olive oil and dried thyme on a sheet pan before roasting until everything is browned and tender.
To complete the meal, you can add some extra potatoes with the veggies, or cook some rice separately and serve. Even some crusty bread will fill you up too.
The end result is a balanced, healthy meal that doesn’t skimp on taste, while leaving you plenty of time for the rest of your busy schedule.
16 Amazing Mediterranean Chicken Thigh Recipes
These Mediterranean chicken thigh recipes are perfect when you're looking to use a cheaper meat for those quick, midweek dinners. Healthy and easy - a perfect combo!
Ingredients
- Mediterranean Chicken Casserole
- Chicken Shawarma
- Skillet Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice
- Chicken Shish Kabob Recipe (Shish Kebabs)
- Spanish Chicken Stew
- Shish Tawook (Grilled Chicken Skewers)
- Musakhan (Sumac Chicken)
- Chicken Freekeh
- One-Pan Chicken and Chorizo with Cherry Tomatoes
- Yogurt Marinated Chicken with Harissa and Garlic
- Joojeh Kabob
- Chicken Thigh Piccata
- Balsamic Chicken & Mushrooms
- Mediterranean Braised Chicken with Apricots
- Skillet Chicken with Olives and Tomatoes
- Sheet Pan Ratatouille Chicken Recipe
Instructions
- Choose your favorite recipes.
- Get ingredients and follow the instructions.
- Create a tasty Mediterranean chicken thigh recipe.
Notes
Which of these recipes was your favorite? Let me know in the comment section, on our Facebook page or on Pinterest!
To Sum Up
Whether you’re looking for a hearty Chicken Shawarma or a wholesome Spanish Chicken Stew, there’s something to choose from for everyone here.
Pick your favorite and enjoy these stress-free Mediterranean chicken thigh recipes.
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