Ina Garten Mediterranean Chicken – Bright, Herby, and Comforting

Ina Garten’s Mediterranean Chicken is a flavorful, one-pan dish that brings together tender chicken thighs with briny olives, juicy tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and bold Mediterranean herbs. It’s easy to prepare, deeply satisfying, and ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner or weekend gathering.

This dish beautifully captures the essence of Mediterranean cooking—fresh, rustic, and bursting with natural flavor.

What Is Ina Garten’s Mediterranean Chicken?

Ina’s Mediterranean chicken features bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces baked or sautéed with a mixture of olives, cherry tomatoes, lemon slices, garlic, red onions, and herbs like oregano or thyme. It’s roasted until golden and tender, with a pan sauce full of rich, vibrant flavors.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten’s White Pizza with Arugula
• Ina Garten Arrabbiata Sauce

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Mediterranean Chicken

• One-pan meal – Less cleanup, more flavor
• Bold and bright flavor profile – A mix of savory, tangy, and fresh
• Perfect for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day
• High in protein and naturally gluten-free
• Looks elegant, but is simple to make
• Great for casual dinners or entertaining
• Pairs well with many sides – From rice to roasted vegetables

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Mediterranean Chicken

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pint of cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Mediterranean Chicken

Step 1: Preheat oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Use a large ovenproof skillet or baking dish.

Step 2: Season the chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and oregano.

Step 3: Brown the chicken

Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken skin-side down for 5–6 minutes until golden, then flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Add vegetables and olives

Scatter the sliced onion, cherry tomatoes, garlic, lemon slices, and olives around the chicken. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes if using.

Step 5: Bake in the oven

Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil, and serve hot with your favorite side.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten’s Mediterranean Chicken

• Herbed couscous or orzo pasta – Light and fluffy grains
• Roasted or grilled vegetables – Like zucchini, eggplant, or peppers
• Warm pita bread or flatbread – Great for soaking up the juices
• Lemon rice or wild rice pilaf – Adds a zesty side
• Greek salad with feta – A crisp, cooling contrast
• Mashed cauliflower or potatoes – Creamy pairing for the rich sauce
• Dry white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio – Complements the herbs and lemon

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Mediterranean Chicken

• Pat chicken dry before browning – Ensures crispy skin
• Don’t overcrowd the pan – Allows even cooking
• Use ripe cherry tomatoes – For juicy bursts of flavor
• Use fresh herbs if available – Enhances the final dish
• Let chicken rest after cooking – Juices redistribute for better flavor
• Add extra lemon juice before serving – For added brightness
• Cook skin-side up in the oven – Keeps the skin crisp and golden

Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Mediterranean Chicken

• Use boneless thighs or breasts – For a lighter option
• Add artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes – For more Mediterranean flair
• Include chickpeas or cannellini beans – Adds protein and texture
• Top with feta cheese before serving – Creamy, salty contrast
• Make it spicy – Add more red pepper flakes or harissa
• Swap olives for green Castelvetrano – For a milder, briny taste
• Turn into a stew – Add stock and simmer for a saucier version

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten’s Mediterranean Chicken

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container – Best within 3 days
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven – Keeps chicken juicy
• Freeze for up to 2 months – Thaw overnight in the fridge
• Store sauce separately if possible – Prevents chicken from softening

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten’s Mediterranean Chicken

• Oven method: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes, covered with foil
• Stovetop method: Simmer gently in a pan with a splash of broth
• Microwave method: Heat in 30-second bursts, covering loosely
• Add fresh herbs or lemon after reheating – To refresh the flavor

Nutritional Value (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 360
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 550mg

A hearty, wholesome meal with clean ingredients and vibrant flavors.

FAQs

Can I make Ina Garten’s Mediterranean chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it up to a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, and reheat gently in the oven before serving to maintain the flavors and texture.

What type of chicken works best for Mediterranean chicken?

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal because they stay juicy during baking and develop crispy, flavorful skin.

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but reduce the baking time to prevent overcooking. Boneless thighs or breasts will cook faster and may need extra seasoning to retain richness.

What kind of olives are best in Mediterranean chicken?

Kalamata olives are traditional for their bold, briny flavor, but you can also use Castelvetrano or green olives for a milder taste.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Mediterranean Chicken is proof that simple ingredients can come together to create something spectacular. It’s an effortless dinner that delivers restaurant-level results at home. With juicy chicken, bold Mediterranean flavors, and a gorgeous presentation, this dish is a go-to for anyone who enjoys clean eating without compromising on taste.

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